AVIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1927, Page 2

AVIATION.

fAustralian & N.Z. Cable Association.) ENDURANCE FLIGHT. SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 2. Kingsford Smith and Lieut. George Pond, of the United States Navy, took off at 8.55 this morning, in an attempt to put up an endurance record. The piano has lieen renamed Spirit of California. It carried 1418 gallons of petrol. The aviators intended' ti> fly over Northern and Southern California, but if unfavourable weather conditions develop, they will cruise in the South of Mojave Desert. The German airman, Edvard Ristiez. created the existing record of 52 hours 22 minutes 21 seconds, in August last. The plane made one false start before actually hopping off. The tail skidded off the side of the board on the runaway, on till? first attempt, hut the plane was stopped without accident. Tt was taken hack and warmed up. and took the air without accident. After running some 2600 feet, it made a perfect* getaway, despite '*■ its tremendous load, and was in the air within 36 seconds after restarting. The weather was clear, and flying conditions excellent. HINKLER AND AfcINTOSH. LONDON', Dee. 2.

Afelntosh and Hinkler have arrived at London. The former declared flint the flight would he attempted again in February or March, when better weather may be expected. They found after landing in Poland that the remaining petrol would only carry them to Afghanistan, where a descent was unthinkable. The aeroplane might possibly he repaired. A A [ERIC AN AIRAIEN. NEW YORK. Dee. 2. A message from Detroit states that* Rosowarne declared lie had not received a recommendation that the flight lie postponed, but if Press reports" were correct, liis action would result in the entire abandonment of the project. He refused to comment further until Giles’s report was received.