**A tragic loss in aviation history** On April 13, 1922, the aviation world was shaken by the death of Australian pilot Ross Smith, who perished along with his co-pilot Lieutenant Bennett when their Vickers amphibious aircraft crashed during a test flight. Smith was a celebrated aviator, known for his pioneering flights, and his sudden loss left a void in the ambitious plans for a round-the-world aerial expedition. **Blake steps up** In the wake of this tragedy, British aviator Blake was chosen to take over the mission. The challenge was immense: to circumnavigate the globe by air, a feat that required not only skill but also immense endurance and reliable equipment. On May 1, 1922, Blake began his preparation with a rigorous training flight designed to test both his stamina and the performance of his aircraft. **A marathon day across the Channel** That day, Blake flew back and forth between France and England, crossing the English Channel four times to connect Paris and London. He started with breakfast at Le Bourget airport near Paris, then flew to London for lunch. After returning to France for tea at Le Bourget, he crossed the Channel one last time to have dinner in Great Britain. In total, he spent eleven hours at the controls, with brief stops to rest and refuel. This grueling schedule demonstrated the kind of endurance required for the upcoming round-the-world flight. **Why this matters for ATPL and ATC students** This historical episode highlights the importance of rigorous training and preparation in aviation. For ATPL students, it underscores the need to build endurance and master long-haul operations, even in the early days of flight. For ATC trainees, it shows how cross-border operations require coordination between different airspaces, a skill still vital today. The story also serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in test flights and the resilience needed to overcome setbacks in aviation.