GILES ALOFT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 23 November 1927, Page 5

GILES ALOFT

FLYING THE PACIFIC A SPLENDID START. HONOLULU—NEW ZEALANDAUSTRALIA. [By Cable — Press Assn. — Copyright.) (Received 23, 8.30 a.m.) San Francisco, Nov. 22. Flying Officer Frederick Giles hopped off for Honolulu and New Zealand at 7.24 o'clock this morning. It is estimated that it will take 26 hours to complete the first stage, via a “great circle'' route.

Twenty ships scattered along the course have been requested to report progress. Weather conditions are fair,

The Marine Department and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce received a message that Giles had passed over the San Francisco lightship 19 miles out at sea 16 minutes after his departure. He was flying at an altitude of approximately 10CU feet. Giles spent the night at the flying field. The United States Weather Bureau issued a favourable report on conditions, after which preparations were immediately made for departure. Giles, long before dawn, was in the highest spirits. The sky was clear and a light wind was blowing when he left. The Wanda made a splendid take off, rising in the air after going down the runway about 1500 feet, which was a much shorter distance than on his previous attempt, despite the muddy runway. The 'plane gained elevation rapidly and travelled south for a short distance and then swung round and followed the shore line towards 'the Golden Gate. Barely 100 persons were present at the field kt the departure, due to the early hour. Giles carried four sandwiches, a pint of milk, and six quarts of water, also condensed army rations. As on his previous start, he left the rubber life raft' behind to save weight, but took a life jacket and a hack-saw with which to cut away the motor if he dropped into the sea. He is also able to empty the tanks in two minutes with emergency valves, after which it is believed the 'plane would stay manv hours afloat. Giles thanked the Mills Field officials before leaving for the assistance rendered. Captain Peterson stated that if Giles reached Honolulu safely he would leave on the first boat. Giles will be out of touch until he reaches Honolulu unless he is sighted by one of the ships which are reported at present to bo on the “great circle" route. These are the Manoa. Ventura. Ondo, Tenyo Maru, and President Garfield,—(A. and N.Z.) AVIATOR JUBILANT BEFORE TAKE-OFF. FLYS WITHOUT HELMET OR GOGGLES. (Received 23. 1115 a.m.) San Francisco, November 22. Giles is expected to flv at a speed of from 95 to 100 miles an hour. He appeared -'ubilant before the take-off.. and showed no nervousness as he climbed into the cockpit. He waved farewell to friends gathered at the side - f the runway. He flew Without helmet or goggles, having thrown the helmt that Captain Petersen had brought for him out of the 'plane just before it started to move. Ho said ho could flv at a moderately low altitude unless he encountered bad weather, in which event he would try and climb above the storm. He carried with nim a picture of Wanda Hess, the sister of the 'plane designer. There are reports that Giles is engaged to Miss Hess, but Giles refused to comment. LIGHTS FOR NIGHT FLYING. Half a dozen bulbs on the instrument boards will furnish lights during the night. Giles has planned to fly low if he sights a vessel on the trip and drop a message on deck. Captain Voortmeyer. a member of the San Francisco Airport Commission, had prepared elaborate charts for Gi!««. showing approximately the positions of tho ships at sea and the times that Giles should meet them. —(A. and N.Z.)

U.S SECRET SEAPLANE.

CRUISING RADIUS OF 3000 MILES.

(Received 23. 12150 p.m.) . New York. November 22.

Tho “Sun's” Washington correspondent says the United States "■■■y is secretly building a seaplane -"th a crilising radius of 3000 miles, ’•’hich will attempt to flv across the Pacific in 1928. The 'plane will be ready for trial flights within two weeks, and if successful will go to San Francisco and thence tn Japan

the Philippines, via Honolulu. —ith the possibility of then continuing the flight around the world. —(A. and N.Z.)