FLIGHT OVER TASMAN.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18230, 14 November 1924, Page 6

FLIGHT OVER TASMAN.

EARLY ATTEMPT PROPOSED.

Mr D. G. Stead, who recently formulated a scheme for a trans-Pacific flight, has formed a committee in Sydney of politicians, commercial men, and airmen to urge the Commonwealth Government to undertake a Sydney-Auckland flight forthwith.

The proposed route to be followed between Sydney and San Francisco takes in a direct flight from Sydney to Auckland—a distance of about 1100 miles.

"Unlike the giant stride from San Francisco to Honolulu," says Mr Stead "this section is regarded by the flight specialists, both in America and Australia, as a feat which, m the present state of advancement that flying has reached, is quite easy of accomplishment. That is, provided that proper preparations are made. For this flight aircraft of either land or sea type could be used; as the load to be carried is far below many of those already taken on cross-country and ocean flights." Mr Stead stated (according to Sydney papers) that there were already more than a score of well-known types of monoplanes and biplanes—using only one engine of, say, 450 horse-power (of at least two well-known makes) —which could, on their proved reliability, do this trip with the maximum of safety. He considered that this Sydney-Auck-land section was peculiarly Australia's business, and should not have to await any great series of Pan-Pacific flights like those outlined by him. "Furthermore," he said, "this linking up of Australia and New Zealand by air service may be considered as absolutely essential, if only to accelerate postal communication, and to pave the way for safe and highly expeditious passonger services |within the next few years. " "With favourable winds, this journey—which would be almost due eastcould, in all probability, be done in 10 hours at the present time. With a howling westerly to help the 'plane on its way the journey might occupy still lass than 10 hours. Even with a southerly blow—-which would be on the aircraft's beam—the journey should not exceed 12 hours; while, with the steadily lessening load of gasoline, the 'plane's 'ceiling' will be increased to such an extent as possibly to enable the 'plane to rise to more favourable wind-cur-rents. In any case, it will be practicable to carry sufficient gasoline to remove all anxiety as to a sufficiency of fuel.

'.'A num^er of local airmen are.simply boiling over with enthusiasm to get away on this flight, and we may hear any day of plans for a privately-con-ducted effort to do the trip. In the opinion of many, however, this is essentially an undertaking for the overhead authorities, as it is a rather tricky business, and must bo in the hands of specialists right through. The fact that expex*t airmen might do it under private control will hardly satisfy the committee, who will want to be sure that everything has been thoroughly thought out, and that the first flight, at least, is carried out without undue T&gard to cost. It will be time enough to begin 'pinQhing' after the survey has been completed."