Lennämme Suomessa [antikvár]

FOREWORDEven those who have flown over several continents agree that the pattern of Finland's lakes and islands as seen from an aircraít is incomparable. Water courses are generally taken to add to the charm of a scene and here in Finland, an unbroken chain of ponds, lakes and thousands of islands is visible during most of the flight routes.The Finnish scenery is not composed only of lakes, however. Even the Finnish passenger is apt to be surprised by the vast ex-panses of forest. Cultivated land is generally seen only in patches among forest and lakes. The tiny cottages and minute villages appearing from the depths of the immense forest prove that the Finn is at home in these forests. Wide areas of cultivated land can only be seen in south-western Finland and along the river banks of Ostrobothnia. A large area growing a golden-yellow crop is always a pleasure to see, but a tiny, cultivated field in the midst of the forest is not a less moving sight. This is especially true of Finland's northernmost flight route, which takes the passenger in a few hours from Helsinki to Ivalo, nearly 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. This is the country of great streams, swamps, bogs and treeless mountains.The blue-white wings of Finland bear the passenger safely over luxuriant scenery and over magnificent, untouched country. This book is a collection of experiences gathered during flights across Finland. A whole book could be written about any of the routes, and consequently only glimpses of the most typical sights have been included. Simultaneously we have endeavoured to give a repre-sentative picture of Finland as a whole: of the tourist sights, the towns, the agriculture and the industry. An air photograph naturally gives the most objective generál impression.The Finnish network of airlines is one of the densest in the world. In Finland, there are 15 airports in the use of civil aviation. There are somé twenty daily connections from Helsinki to different parts of the country, there are cross-connections and several points of intersection. In addition to the connections from Helsinki, there are direct connections to foreign countries from Turku, Tampere and Vaasa.Finland's largest and oldest airline, Finnair (Aero O/Y), which is to a great part in state ownership, has recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, which makes it one of the pioneers of world aviation. Another important airline, founded on a priváté basis, is KAR-AIR, which in addition to somé domestic lines alsó operates a direct route from Tampere to Stockholm. Furthermore, KAR-AIR specializes in charter-flights to distant countries. Both airlines have 26-passenger Douglas DC-3 aircraft for shorter trips, and the 44-passenger Convair Metropolitan 440 is used for longer flights. The 70-passenger Caravelle jet aircraft ordered by Finnair will be delivered in 1960.The core of the flying personnel is förmed in both airlines by experienced pilots and mechanics trained in the Finnish Air Force. Dependability, speed and incomparable views are somé of the advantages a flight passenger enjoys, and the smiling, polite and charming stewardess is always ready to help should any need arise duririg the trip.Kangasala, January 5, 1959Matti Poutvaara