**A Historical Training Flight with Modern Lessons** On July 19, 1910, French pilot De Baeder completed a 30-kilometer city-to-city flight from Lille to Douai in 25 minutes, flying a biplane at 80 km/h. This was not a mere joyride: it was a deliberate training exercise in preparation for the upcoming Circuit de l'Est, a major aviation competition. The flight also served to transport his aircraft to Douai, where he planned to attempt an altitude record. **Why This Matters for ATPL and ATC Students** While the technology has changed dramatically, the core principles of flight planning and navigation remain the same. For ATPL students, De Baeder's raid is a reminder that every flight, even a short one, requires careful preparation: route selection, fuel management (even if just for 25 minutes), and awareness of weather and terrain. For ATC trainees, this early flight illustrates the origins of air traffic management—when pilots relied solely on visual landmarks and basic maps, without radio communication or radar. **The Altitude Record Attempt** De Baeder's ultimate goal was to break the altitude record, a challenge that demanded not only piloting skill but also a thorough understanding of aircraft performance. Today's ATPL students study similar performance parameters—climb rates, service ceilings, and weight limitations—to ensure safe operations. The historical context shows that these concepts have been central to aviation since its earliest days. **Training Then and Now** In 1910, training was often self-directed and focused on practical skills like cross-country navigation and endurance. Modern ATPL programs are far more structured, but they still emphasize the same fundamentals: navigation, aircraft handling, and decision-making under pressure. De Baeder's example underscores that training is a continuous process, where each flight builds toward a larger goal—whether a competition or a commercial license. **Conclusion** This small piece of aviation history offers a valuable perspective for today's students. It shows that the challenges faced by early aviators—navigation, performance optimization, and record-setting—are the same challenges that ATPL and ATC students learn to manage today, albeit with modern tools. Understanding the past helps pilots and controllers appreciate the evolution of their profession and the enduring importance of rigorous training.