Pan Am Clipper Preflight Preparation
In the late 1930s, few forms of travel were as luxurious or exclusive as intercontinental trips aboard Boeing 314 Clipper flying boats operated by Pan American World Airways. These unique airliners were defined by lavish cabins, plush sleeping accommodations, and elegant lounges. Although they were roughly the same size as the 70-80-passenger Douglas DC-6 that would enter production the following decade, the comfort-focused Clippers carried less than half that number of passengers on long, overnight journeys.
Here, two photographs provide a rare glimpse into some of the preflight preparations involved in a Pan Am Clipper departure. The first shows a cleaning crew hard at work, scrubbing the corrosive saltwater off of the airframe’s bare aluminum. Overhead, mechanics crawl into and around the engine nacelles, ensuring each engine is adequately prepared for the forthcoming flight.
The second photo shows the arrival of the flight crew. Consisting of the captain, first officer, navigator, radio operator, and others, each secures his hat as they brace against strong offshore winds as they board the Clipper. Ground handlers stand by, providing assistance with doors and the boarding ramp.
As the United States entered WWII, each Pan Am Clipper would be requisitioned into military service, where they provided transport to high-priority passengers. Sadly, although they were later returned to civilian service, each would ultimately be lost or scrapped, and no examples survive today.
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