Radios for Passengers Proving Popular
Two Fords of Northwest Airways equipped with radio for
passengers were placed in service last July on the Chicago-Twin Cities run.
Following successful introduction of radio service for passengers, a
Sikorsky amphibian on the Twin Cities-Duluth service, a third Ford on the
Chicago service, and a Hamilton, used largely for experimental purposes and
by Col. L.H. Brittin, vice-president and general manager, were similarly
equipped. Experiments are being conducted in methods of lightening the
equipment and it is expected the nine remaining Hamiltons will have Philco
Transitones in operation by March. Northwest Airways then will have
fourteen planes with radio for entertaining passengers, all planes used on
the Twin Cities - Chicago, Twin Cities - Pembina (Winnipeg) and the Bismark
- Fargo Lines, as well as the weekly service to Omaha.
|
|
|
Interior of a Northwest Airways Ford equipped with Philco Transitone, showing headphones as used by passengers. The set is installed in the center section of the wing, directly over the head of the uniformed steward or co-pilot. |
Practically no trouble has been encountered with the radios, according to
Dr. Foote radio engineer for the airline. The equipment is tested
daily before planes go into service, and necessary minor adjustments made at
that time. Apparently, the plane's vibration does not affect the sets
adversely. Pilots are required to make radio reports on radio
reception and operation of the sets, which enables the company to keep close
watch on them. Repairs to date have all been of a minor nature.
Passengers have reacted favorably to this new service feature. It adds to the enjoyment of the trip, helps remove whatever monotony a passenger may be experiencing. Last autumn, during the World Series baseball and college football games, many passengers declared they would not have used the plane service if they had not known in advance they would be able to listen to the sports events while traveling. The radio, they said, induced them to go by plane in preference to train.
The radio is particularly valuable on the 4½ - hour trip between the Twin Cities and Chicago, most of it over territory not entirely interesting from a spectator's viewpoint. A feature of the installation is that only those desiring to listen need hear the broadcast. Headphones, with comfortable ear pads and individual volume controls, make this possible.
(this article originally appeared in the February, 1932 edition of Aviation)
Philco Transitone (c.late 1930s)
I believe this radio is similar to the type being described in the article
