106 years ago today, on May 27, 1919 (April 28, 1919, the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by seaplane. Lieutenant Commander Reid and Captain Stone On May 27, 1919, the U.S. Navy NC-4 seaplane arrived in Lisbon today, completing the first transatlantic air flight. The NC-4 took off from Rockaway, New York, flew for nearly 44 hours, with a total range of 3150 nautical miles. The NC-4 was forced to land in Chatham, Mass., during the first stage of its journey, making an unexpected stop. After repairs, it continued to fly to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and then to Newfoundland. The actual transatlantic flight was carried out in three stages: from May 10 to 17, from Tlepasay Bay in Newfoundland to the Azores, with a range of 1200 nautical miles; on May 20, a short 150-mile flight from one end of the Azores to the other; and finally an 800-mile flight to Lisbon. A cordon of naval destroyers has been set up between Newfoundland and Lisbon to keep a close eye on the NC-4's flight and provide assistance if necessary. When the seaplane arrived in Lisbon, it was warmly welcomed by rows of people standing along the coast and five-minute honking from port ships. The NC-4 piloted by Lieutenant Commander AC-Reid is about to fly to Plymouth, England, where a warm reception is planned. Meanwhile, a British airship R-34 prepares for a direct flight across the Atlantic.