AIR FLYING.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1927, Page 2

AIR FLYING.

[ Vustralian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

IJ.S.A. SEA SCOUT ENDS. WASHINGTON. -May 14

Air Wcxinin has announced that U.S.A. naval tugs and coastguard craft have discontinued the search for Nungesser and Coli. due to fog and had weather, lie also declared that the proposed flight of the dirigible Los Angeles to Labrador, to seek the Frenchmen, would be impossible. Rear-Admiral Andrews informed Mr Wilbur that under the circumstances any further search would bo futile. Rear-Admiral Moffat declared that the Los Angeles’ supply of helium was not sufficient for a Labrador trip.

RUSSIAN AIRMEN’S MISHAP. ATOSCOAY, ALav 14

Hunters have rescued the pilots of the Soviet balloon which was reported down on May 11. They were discovered ball-frozen near Troitsk. They say that their balloon was damaged during the passage of the Urals.

TWO MORE FATAL CRASHES. LONDON, Al ay 13

Two more fatal British Air Force crashes are reported. Flight-Lieut. R. F. Carter became involved in a spin, and lie nose-dived to death at Gosport. Flight-Cadet Alfred Bentley, a god 19, attempted to land down the wind, and he crashed near Henlow Aerodrome.

NON-STOP FLIGHT. LONDON, Alav 8

While vast areas of ocean are still to he searched for both Nungesser and St Roinain, and preparations are advanced for the American airmen’s dash to Paris, Flight-Lieutenants’ Carr and Gillman, of tho Royal Air Force, have announced that they will hop off on Sunday, in the greatest nonstop flight ever attempted—from England to Karachi, a distance of 1003 miles.

Their machine is fitted with a RollsRoyce Condor engine, of GoO h.p. The route will he bv Central Europe, Asia Al inor and the Persian Gulf. A special GOO yard run has been prepared to get the great machine, with its three tons of petrol, into the air; and it requires, m addition, a wind blowing at least 15 miles per hour. The Royal Air Force Service flight is designed to prove that the latest type of aeroplane is capable of overcoming most difficulties

The Daily Telegraph aviation correspondent says:—lt has been suggested that this is a costly way of demonstrating its practicability It is the only satisfactory way theories must be tested. For example, there will be an enormous difference in the load when most of the fuel is consumed, and.the actual behaviour, as the weight is lessened, is of great scientific' value. There is a great risk in starting with such a load, but as far as human sight compasses, this can lie overcome. The worst risk is of engine failure early. If this unhappily occurs, parachute landings are inevitable. After eigiit hours’ flight the machine is sufficiently lightened to land safely, but one of the greatest difficulties will be landing when the tanks are empty Britain cannot he still, in face of the big aviation deeds of other nations.