IN THREE WEEKS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18365, 24 April 1925, Page 19

IN THREE WEEKS.

FLIGHT TO NORTH POLE.

SIACHINES BEING TESTED.

CABLE— PBESS ASSOCIATION'— COPTEIQHT.) (aCSTBALIAN AND S.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

LONDON, April 22,

Captain Eaold Amundsen, in a message from King Bay on Monday, savs:—

The work of landing and assembling the aeroplanes for the flight to the Polo is proceeding satisfactorily. The motor for Lieutenant Eiisor Larson's machine has been safely installed, and the plane hauled ashore, whero mechanics are giving the finishing touches, in order that the motor may be tried out to-morrow. Lieutenant Dot richsen's plane is still in the ship, but the motor probably will be installed on Wednesday, when the. machine will also be hauled to land for completion. It is anticipated that both machines will be in a condition to fly by Saturday week, when the first trial flight will be possible. Fivo minutes will be sufficient for the purpose of ascertaining that all is ship-shape. Then the trial flights proper, with a full load, will take place, preparatory to the Polar flight. An important particular of these trials will be the testing of the scientific and navigating instruments to be used by the expedition to the Pole. Taking off and landing trials will be made from snow, ice and sea.

Director Schulte maintains that with a full load the space necessary for a start is 1000 metres, but with a smaller load only 300 metres will be required. Presumably the trials will occupy four or fivo days, so all will be ready for the start for tho Pole in thrco weeks, provided that ideal weather is maintained.

If fair •weather can bo foreseen for several days, tho Fram and Hobby will proceed northwards as far as possible, the planes following so that their tanks can be filled with motor spirit right on the edge of the ice formation. In theso circumstances no stay en Dane's Island is contemplated. If conditions, however, should be otherwise, the ships will proceed to Dane's Island and await tho arrival of the fliers. Then the whole expedition will camp ashore and wait until fair weather prevails. All members of the expedition arc in excellent health and spirits. Ellswort]} and I, who aro to be tho navigators on tho Polar flight, are busy trying out tho various instruments.