AMUNDSEN’S FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 11 April 1925, Page 2

AMUNDSEN’S FLIGHT

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION

Itcreived this day at 9 a.m.) LONDON, April 0

CD plain Amundsen, in liis first- article detailing his plans for his aeroplane dasji to the north pole reveals that he took his first lessons in aviation in 1913 with an eye to a polar venture, which was governed by two main considerations, namelv. meteorological conditions and the possibility of being able to land. 'I bo weather is by no means as discouraging as generally thought. In the first instance there is little log in the month of May and the wind is not a serious trouble, while tile temperature averages twen tv-three degrees 1 ah re illicit. More-

over. the air is wanner at a height of one thousand metres, and in addition a little glycerine will prevent the water in the engines freezing. Captain Amundsen says that further help will be the establishment of a meteorological station at Spitsbergen, to which a wide area, including America and Russia will supply viic-

less data daily. Captain Amundsen at length, landing prospects. Even should it bo impossible to land the mere fact <>r flying over the pole, making meteorological observations from an aeroplane. will be an achievement of great ' geographical interest. Earlier cxpedi- [ lions have proved the existence of large fiat ice floes, drifting along the'Greenland Coast, and all indications point to polar ire. . This is no doubt snow covered, from which perhaps the ice is protruding. If the aeroplane is fitted with skis or floats there will he no risk op damage against the ice, hut a flying boat with a Duraliminium hull is less likely to he injured, and also will he easier to repair. Consequently, the Polar dash will be made in two (lying boats with hulls designed to facilitate rising from the snow. Each flying boat will have two engines. one behind the other, so that if one engine breaks down the other will maintain llie machine in tho air. 1 lie fact that two'flying boats will make the, dash simultaneously will lie valuable in that if one is forced down, the other will laconic a relief to assist to repair the damage to its companion or take off its crew. If the two living boats become separated in a fog they will drop smoke bombs to guide each other, and should hath break down both crews will carry sufficient gear and emergency rations for six weeks, and make the journev on foot to Cape Columbia, 437 miles distant. However, all risks of a breakdown have been reduced to a minimum by experts attending at Spitsbergen to tune up the engines to the last minute.

Captain Amundsen describes Ins remarkable scientific instruments, tho most notable of which is the Goer?, sun compass, which is really a form ot periscope reflecting the image of the sun on a measured screen. Phis will enable the pilot to steer a definite course from the has?.

Captain Amundsen pays a tribute to the generosity of Lincoln Ellsworth, who is financing half the cost of tho expedition, in recognition of which, he says, the Norwegian Aero Club lias' jointly named the expedition after him and Amundsen.

In addition to Captain Amundsen, he party will consist of Liuets Ruiserir.se u. Rietrichsen. and Omdnhlo.o dent; Ruiselarsen will be the second a command.