Sikorsky S-42 "Samoa" Flying Clipper exploded upon take-off at Pago Pago, killing the PAA crew and pilot Edward Musick

Daring young men by their flying machine.

It is easy to forget today how trans-Pacific

flying is now taken for granted. Yet in the 1930's there were hardly any airports- certainly not on Pacific islands. Routes had to be surveyed, weather and re-fueling stations established, and much more. America has remembered its first settlers and railroad pioneers, but has all but forgotten the Pacific aviation pioneers who risked their lives, and died, to create the airways we use today. One such S-42 clipper exploded upon take-off at Pago Pago,

killing the PAA crew and pilot Edward Musick.

The S-42 in Hawaii. S-42 Flying Clipper and Amphibious Seaplane. The S-42 Pioneers. Daring young men by their flying machine. It is easy to forget today how trans-Pacific flying is now taken for granted. Yet in the 1930's there were hardly any airports- certainly not on Pacific islands. Routes had to be surveyed, weather and re-fueling stations established, and much more. America has remembered its first settlers and railroad pioneers, but has all but forgotten the Pacific aviation pioneers who risked their lives, and died, to create the airways we use today. One such S-42 clipper exploded upon take-off at Pago Pago, killing the PAA crew and pilot Edward Musick.