Sir Alan Cobham

	SIR ALAN COBHAM Long Distance Flight Pioneer
	Born May 6, 1894 in Camberwell, England, Sir Alan J. Cobham began his flying career in 1917 as a pilot in the British Royal Flying Corps. After the war, he began a barnstorming business and in the early 1920's flew as a photography and air-route survey pilot. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of long-range commercial air service, he flew extensive survey flights throughout Europe and Africa. In a further effort to promote the development of commercial aviation, Cobham organized and flew a round trip to Australia in 1926. He concluded this flight dramatically by landing his float plane on London's Thames River before an estimated one million people. For his exploits, he was Knighted by King George V. His interest in extending the range of airplanes led to his formation of Flight Refuelling LTD in 1935. His company soon became an international leader in the development of aerial refuelling equipment and techniques. He died on October 21, 1973. Sir Alan Cobham's achievements as a visionary proponent of long distance commercial flight and aerial refuelling continue to serve mankind on an international basis.
	Elected to the International Aerospace Hall of Fame 1997