How the dramatic first South Atlantic aerial crossing influenced modern navigation
In 1922, to celebrate the centenary of the Independence of Brazil, Portuguese aviators Carlos Viegas Gago Coutinho and Artur de Sacadura Cabral set out from Lisbon with two goals: to make the first crossing of the South Atlantic and to test out a new astronomical navigation instrument. Landing in Rio de Janeiro on 17 June 1922, they achieved them both and their successful flight, during which they used no other means of navigational support, made a major impact upon the future of aviation.
