The famous Pacific Clippers of the Pan American Airways fleet are by far the largest aircraft on the world's airways. Huge twenty-six-ton giants, built by Martin, they were designed to meet every rigid requirement ocean air transport operation might demand. As fleet as the wind, they are as staunch as an ocean liner. The great ninety-foot hull is divided into six water-tight compartments, any two of which are capable of keeping the ship afloat under any conceivable conditions. The spreading one hundred and thirty-foot wing mounts four huge engines of a thousand horsepower each - equivalent to that of an ordinary locomotive. Marvels of mechanical efficiency, nearly half of this four thousand horsepower is constantly in reserve at all cruising speeds. The big three-bladed propellers even shift their pitch automatically to assure utmost efficiency. On the Flight Deck is the bridge, on which two pilot-officers are on duty at all times; the radio officer, who is in constant touch with at least two ground stations, who is in periodic contact with every ship on the sea below, and who exchanges bearings every few minutes between the Clipper and the guarding radio Direction-Finding Stations at each base. Further aft, in his cabane near the edge of the huge wing, and in line with the powerful engines, the Engineering Officer controls the mechanical operation of the giant ship and maintains a constant guard over the great power plants, through one hundred and eight-one instruments, levels and valves.
On the Main Deck forward is the buffet, from which all meals aloft are served. Also, the main cargo holds, and the air-conditioning system. No matter what the outside temperature, or what the height at which you are flying, the Clipper is constantly maintained at a proper, and pleasant temperature. Next is the Navigation Officer's cabin, where are kept the remarkable instruments with which the course of the ship is plotted, a map case, master compass, and chronometer. Here, too, are berths for the flying officers who are "Off Watch," rest chairs, and the Captain's desk. Next are the roomy, soundproofed, thoroughly air-conditioned passenger cabins. First the lounge, where as many as fifteen passengers may be accomodated comfortably. So effectively are the walls soundproofed that a normal conversational tone may be used at all times. Large, spacious, airy cabins are conducive to restfulness and ease of movement. Passengers may - and constantly do - move about the ship at will. The lounge itself is as large as a good-sized living room. Next to the lounge are two standard cabins with berths for twelve sleeping passengers, or lounge chairs for twenty for the shorter daylight flights between the Islands. Aft of these are located the dressing rooms and further aft, additional cargo holds and complete emergency equipment. Aboard these famous flying boats you will find every comfort and convenience you would expect on the finest ocean liners. And a service which no other form of transport can provide.