As part of our ongoing archive cataloguing, we have recently discovered just about half of the original flight instructions for the R.101.
These documents offer a new perspective on the airship’s activities and operations, containing valuable details such as passenger manifests and the instructions given to the Captain and crew for each flight. While the set is not complete, it provides a fascinating insight into the day-to-day running of the R.101.
Check out new additions such as:
- First flight instructions given for taking the ship from the shed to the Cardington mast
- Hauling in and mooring tests.
- Details of the Royal Air Force practice and actual flight.
- The final flight instructions of the R.101 on its assigned “demonstration flight” to India and back, including details of flightpaths over France and other territories, along with logistical details and crew arrangements.