Aviation History: Spokane Sun-God

Flight of the Spokane Sun-God Part 1

The Spokane Sun-God played an important role in aviation history. It was the first airplane to make a non-stop transcontinental round trip flight.

A1929 Buhl biplane, called a "Sesquiplane," which had a full upper wing and a short tapered lower wing was what Buhl chose to donate to be used for this first non-stop transcontinental round trip flight. It was powered by a Wright J6, 300 horsepower Whirlwind engine. The idea of the short lower wing was to give the plane more lift without slowing airspeed the way a full lower wing did. It also helped strengthen the main wing and support the heavy landing gear. Buhl built this style of plane to carry six passengers, but for the Sun-God, Buhl modified her with gas tanks and storage room for oil, food, a bed and other supplies needed for the flight.

Nick Mamer, one of the best known pilots in the Spokane area (also known as Mr. Spokane Aviation) and Art Walker, a mechanic, pilot and an associate of Mamer's, were approached by an official from the Department of Commerce with the idea of a coast-to-coast aerial refueling flight. They thought it worth a try and started preparations.

The Mamer Air Service at the time flew many Buhl planes. This is probably one of the reasons Buhl agreed to supply the plane. Another reason was good advertisement. Texaco supplied the fuel and oil with at least one refueling done with Standard Oil gasoline. The National Air Derby Association sponsored the flight along with many Spokane citizens and businesses. An admission and parking fee charged at Spokane Air Port (Felts Field) for those who came to watch the Sun-God takeoff also helped finance the trip. The fees were 50¢ for adults, 25¢ children and 25¢ parking.