Round-the-World Flights

Charles "Chuck" F. Banfe completes a Promotional Round-the-World Flight"

Page 5hh (rev: 1000)

Flown Cover	Charles F Banfe	Banfe Autograph	Cover Seal	Super V Bonanza

	President Truman proclaimed Sept. 2, 1945 as VJ Day (Victory over Japan).   
Hawaii was placed under the administering authority of the United States (UN Charter, 
Article 72).  To encourage its tourist business on November 1, 1947 Hawaii held its 
first Aloha Week parade and celebration.  Hawaii joined the United States as its 50th 
State on August 29, 1959.  The inauguration of jet air services reduced the travel 
time to Hawaii and tourist bookings for the islands began to take off.
	The celebration of Aloha Week in Hawaii between October 15/22, 1960 took on 
special significance because it would be the first Aloha Week for Hawaii as a new State.  
Charles F Banfe, a pilot for Pan American Airways agreed to fly his Bay Super V Twin 
Engine Bonanza round-the-world as a statehood promotion during Hawaii's Aloha Week 
celebration.  With the support of the Hawaii Visitor's Bureau, he took off from Hawaii 
on October 15, 1960 flying eastward round-the-world completing his circumnavigation in 
8 1/2 days.
	When asked about his round-the-world accomplishment Banfe said, "I was frightened 
most of the time, both oceans are wide and deep...."  Banfe's flying career spanned from 
the legendary days of flying with the Eagle Squadron of the British Royal Air Force, 
through three decades as a pilot for Pan American Airways to flying transoceanic jets. 
He was born in Chicago graduating from the University of Chicago and made his career as 
a pilot with Pan Am. He taught courses in business, technology and airline management at 
Stanford University while remaining active by buying and selling used airplanes and 
airplane parts. He authored several books including "Airline Management" which is 
actively read today.  Banfe died on March 17, 2000 in Saddlebrooke, Arizona at the age 
of 82.
	Beginning in the late 1940s Bay Aviation (formerly Oakland Aeromotive) produced nine 
twin-engine conversions of the single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza calling its conversion, 
the Bay Super V Bonanza with its distinguished V-Tail.  Some consider the Super V as 
the "true" Twin Bonanza not to be confused with the later manufactured Beechcraft 
Twin Bonanza. 

Itinerary:

Departed Honolulu, HI             10/15/60
  California
  Canada
  Gander, Newfoundland	 
  Ireland                         10/19/60
  Italy                           10/20/60
  Beirut, Lebanon                 10/20/60  
  Calcutta, India                 10/22/60 
  Bangkok, Thailand               10/22/60
  Manila, Philippines             10/22/60
  Tokyo, Japan                    10/23/60
Arrived Honolulu, HI              10/23/60

RETURN to Home Page.

eMail: WINGNET