AVIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1927, Page 2

AVIATION.

LEVINE’S ECCENTRIC FLIGHT. (Australian Press Association & Sun. LONDON, August 29. Levine, the American, in the airplane, Miss Columbia, took off from Paris without warning, and flew to Croydon. This dramatic dash caused a sensation in Paris. Levine drove to Le Bourget, had Miss Columbia wheeled from her hangar, and jumped in. saying it was a trial flight. He took off with difficulty, circled the aerodrome twice, and headed for London. The aerodrome officials were amazed, recognising Levine’s limited skill as a. pilot. A French military plane went in pursuit of Levine, but she landed at Abbeville, where it'was learned that Levine was flying high, and had already passed there. Levine’s French pilot, Drouhin, was notified, and he raced to Le Bourget in n rage. He wanted to pursue Levine. but his friends dissuaded him. Drouhin said: “I hear that Levine sold Miss Columbia to Vickers, Ltd. who are acting on behalf of the British Government. I shall consider whether it is possible to seize the machine in London, in view of the fact that I hold n contract to pilot it across the Atlantic. In any case, I have placed the engine’s spare parts under seal.”

The mystery of the flight is the talk of Paris. It was rumoured that Levine had taken off in a lone attempt to make an Atlantic flight. Other rumours were that he was trying to obtain an English pilot for a trans-At-lantic flight. Levine’s landing at Croydon was a. sensational affair. An Airways pilot, who was a witness, said: ‘‘The professionals gasped at Levine’s remarkable manoeuvres. It was terrific. He missed a smash and probable death by only a few feet on several occasions. Once the plane stalled at a low altitude, hut righted itself, and Levine missed the observation tower by a few feet. Continuing round the aerodrome ho got so low that his wheel hit the ground. Again tho plane righted itself, aiul flew on. Levin© continued thus until a Service pilot guided him. Thereupon ho made a perfect landing. Ho stepped out as cool as a cucumber.”

Levine, when interviewed, said that he had a good time, hut had no map. He could not find Croydon. Ho cauhl not stabilise the machine when he descended, hut declared there was no danger. He said ho had asked his French pilot to start off for New York several times, and so ho had decided to take matters in his own hands. He would' have to proceed to New York as soon as possible.

Levine told the interviewer that the interests of his flight demanded his going to London, but Drouhin, his French pilot had declined to start liecause the French weather reports were unfavourable, though the AngloAmerican reports were favourable. The only way was for him (Levine) to fly to England. Levine, added : ‘‘l definitely intend going to New York. Scores of English and American pilots are anxious to come with mo without a contract. T am returning to Paris to pay Drouhin £'Bo in settlement of all claims.” NEW YORK, Aug. 29. A message from Detroit, states Gills, who returned there, after being forced (Town, as cabled on Aug. 16th., holies to hop off for San Francisco on Thursday, after completing repairs to the petrol feed of the engine. TO FLY TO AUSTRALIA. (Received this day at 9.?0 a.m.) LONDON. Aug. 30. Captain Lancaster, a member of the Australian air force, accompanied by Mrs Keith Miller, is leaving in the middle of September for Australia in a Alotli aeroplane. AIRMEN’S PROGRESS. LONDON, Aug. 30. Brock and Schlee have arrived at Belgrade.