The flight experiment of Siegel and Carney introduced the two people to the world. After the Milan Daily reported it first, other Italian newspapers soon followed up.
Later, newspapers in other countries also introduced this news. After all, it was the first time that humans relied on mechanical power to fly. This cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, under the reports of major newspapers around the world, the two people quickly became famous.
After becoming famous, their actions attracted more and more attention. For example, during an air show in Venice, more than 40,000 people watched their flight.
And after seeing Pioneer 2 take off, cheers filled the sky.
In just one month, Siegel and Carney performed 4 flight demonstrations. The continuous performances made the two more famous. Of course, the flights were not always smooth. Among them, on the 4th flight
It was very unsatisfactory, and the engine suddenly stopped in mid-air. Pioneer 2 fell directly. Fortunately, the height was very low, only 4 or 5 meters, so Siegel only injured his leg.
And Siegel also achieved another achievement, the first plane crash and the first person injured in the plane crash.
Of course, Siegel and Pioneer 2 also reminded others who were eager to try it out that there were huge risks in flying.
However, Siegel's plane crash did not affect their reputation. Many newspapers even called their accident an inevitable price to pay for challenging the sky.
Does it feel a little familiar, a familiar flavor in it? Yes, Italy is deliberately making the two into heroes, national heroes who conquer the sky.
Yes, in this era of rampant nationalism, two Italian athletes completed the conquest of the sky for the first time. How pleasant and beautiful it sounds. They also proved the brave and enterprising spirit of Italian men, so others have
Why not be proud of this?
Yes, in this era, fanatical nationalism is commonplace in all countries, and is even a common practice. Therefore, how to improve the national self-confidence of the people depends on the government and public opinion.
The performance of Siegel and Carney is quite positive for the government, so they were erected.
Of course, performance in front of the people was not enough. As the monarch of Italy, Carlo could not turn a blind eye to these two Italian heroes. Carlo received these two flying pioneers in the Quirinale Palace.
"Welcome the two flying heroes."
Seeing Sigel and Carney being led in by the waiter, Carlo stepped forward and welcomed them with a smile on his face.
"Hello Your Majesty."
Facing the reception of Lord Carlo, the two of them had expressions of fear and fear on their faces. For them, the reception of Lord Carlo was definitely one of the most proud things.
"Both of you, please sit down."
Carlo could see that the two of them were a little nervous, so he tried to dispel their nervousness. "Can you tell me about your flight? I'm very interested."
Faced with the topic proposed by the monarch, the two of them certainly would not refuse. "Okay, Your Majesty."
Later, during the brief narration, Carlo learned some things that were not in the report.
"Are you saying that you invited reporters and even made the test flight public because you ran out of money?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Of course, Carney and I only have 34 liras in our bodies. If the flight fails, we won't even have the money to pull the aircraft back. What we thought at the time was that if it succeeds, nothing can be said, but if it fails,
, I also plan to give 30 lire of it to the reporter, so that when he writes the report, he will describe us as more tragic characters."
"Is this to consider raising funds after failure?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, the biggest problem for us and many like-minded people who dream of flying is funding. Because it is very expensive to fly. Many people have been asking for funding for many years, but it is not enough to cover the cost of a flight experiment. Like us
This kind of person can be considered wealthy, and of course this is also related to the fact that we know more people."
Carlo certainly understands what this means. Flight experiments require a lot of funds to clear the way, and most people who dream of flight experiments will be blocked by funds. Being able to conduct flight experiments is already ahead of a large number of people. As for several flight experiments,
Finally succeeded, which is basically a manifestation of financial resources and other aspects, and of course luck.
"No, you are very lucky."
Facing the words of Lord Carlo, the two of them smiled slightly and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, we are indeed very lucky."
At this time, I saw an attendant walking over carrying a box.
Carlo smiled and said to the two of them. "Sigel, Carney, in view of your outstanding performance in aviation, now on behalf of the Kingdom of Italy, I award two Level 2 Knights of the Crown."
Carlo's words made the two of them stand up straight. Of course they knew about this medal, which can only be obtained by making outstanding contributions to the Kingdom of Italy. Since its establishment, only more than thirty people have received it, and they are basically all highly respected people.
How virtuous and capable are these two people to be able to win such a precious medal?
But after seeing that Carlo had already picked up the medal, how could they refuse? This is a great honor.
After Carlo put it on for the two of them, he asked casually.
"By the way, what are you going to do next?"
Facing Carlo's inquiry, the two men immediately replied, "Your Majesty, we want to continue the flight experiment."
"Of course that's no problem. I just wanted to ask what your next flight requirements are."
Carlo's words made the two of them not sure how to answer. During this period of time, various honors and awards came one after another. Both of them felt a little confused and had not considered this issue yet.
Faced with the dilemma between the two of them, Carlo continued. "If not, how about I make a request for you?"
Faced with Carlo's proposal, who would not be able to think of rejecting it? The two of them nodded repeatedly. "No problem, please raise it, Your Majesty."
"The new aircraft needs to fly higher, farther, and stay in the air longer."
Well, what Carlo said will not be out of date even if it lasts a hundred years, let alone now.
After hearing Carlo's words, Siegel and Carney's eyes lit up. "Your Majesty, this goal is very much in line with our requirements. New aircraft in the future will inevitably fly higher and further.
The airborne time will also be longer.”
Faced with the two people's guarantees, Carlo will certainly not be stingy. "I admire the courage of the two of them very much, so I will let the royal fund invest in their flight experiments, with an annual fund of 300,000 lire. I believe that I can give them a little
help.”
Well, Carlo's investment made the two of them very happy. Although now that they have become famous, they no longer lack funds. But funds are also different. With the king's investment, they can avoid a lot of trouble.
Perhaps after returning, Pioneer 3 will need to be considered.