Pre-war Airship Activities
Asked to cover the first flights of the Zeppelins LZ1 and LZ2, Eckener was critical of both airships' marginal performances, but praised Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin's dedication to his cause. Because several scientists and engineers had criticized his airship plans, the Count sought to speak to his critic and Eckener was so impressed by him that during October 1908 he agreed to be a part-time publicist for the Zeppelin Company. He became extremely interested in airships, and joined the company on a full-time basis.
His aptitude at flying was noticed early on in his career, and he became an airship captain, obtaining his airship license in 1911. However, when Eckener attempted his first flight on 16 May 1911 in the LZ 8, christened Deutschland II, he decided to launch in a strong wind which pushed the craft into the hangar wall, damaging it seriously. Nonetheless, he became a very successful airshipman.
Read more about this topic: Hugo Eckener
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