2002.1.11

Tribune caption on the back, Jan. 29, 1930, "To Forge 'Air Link' Between Oakland and San Francisco: Here is the 'California,' first of the fleet of amphibians which will maintain a 6-minute flying time schedule between Oakland and San Francisco. The flying boats will link downtown areas f both cities. The 'California' is seen taking the water at the Franklin street terminal here, a special ramp being constructed to enable it to roll out of and into the estuary. Wheels on the ship replace the pontoons for ground landings. Standing on the flying boat are Lon Drennan and Jim Hennessey, 'air ferry pilot-captains,' who fly the ship." Photo shows the plane sitting at the bottom of the ramp with one of the "pilot-captains" standing on lower wing and the other standing on a pontoon. The plane is a bi-plane with "California" painted on the front of the pontoon, the wheels sort of tucked up next to the pontoon, and "Air Ferries Ltd" printed on the back fuselage. there are three men standing on the dock behind the plane and the newspaper print "to Franklin St." on the photo.

Used: Oakland Tribune