a
reference to
American aviator Douglas Corrigan (1907-1995). In 1938, Corrigan requested permission to fly from
New York to Europe. When this was denied, he stated he would fly to
California; however, after taking off he flew out over the
Atlantic and ended up in Ireland. Afterwards he told officials that he had misread his compass (even though an experienced pilot) and, being above the clouds, had not realized that he was not headed for
California. He immediately
returned to the United
States and despite
having broken numerous rules and regulations, received a hero's welcome. A
motion picture was made of the adventure and Corrigan became a
celebrity.