EL SALVADOR: Flying

Standing on the road near one end of San Salvador's Ilopango Airport one afternoon last week, Felix Lara, 24, an Indian laborer, watched a Pan American Airways Constellation taxi out for the take-off to Honduras. Just as the plane started to roll, Felix vaulted the airport fence, leaped up on the axle housing of the right main landing wheel, and flung his arms around the fat supporting strut.

Down the runway they sped, Felix and the Constellation. The blast from the right inboard engine whipped his tattered shirt, but Felix only curled his bare toes tighter around the housing. Spectators...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!