TASMAN FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1928, Page 1

TASMAN FLIGHT

A AIASTERTON CRITICISM.

AIASTERTON, Jan. 18,

Though wild rumours in connection with the missing airmen have been circulated in the last few days, reliable local opinion scouts the idea that the men landed in the AA’airarapa. Stories of see.ing the ’plane lights, etc., are considered to be flights of imagination. Speaking at the Borough Council meeting last night in reference to the missing aviators, Councillor Rippon said that he was voicing the sentiments of a groat many people when he declared that the Government had shown callous indifference and apathy in connection with the manner in which it had allowed the flight to take place without any attention to detail or arranging for assistance. Thousands ot pounds had been spent in scouring tho seas and hush country after the flight. He could not undertand why the Government had allowed the men to run the risk, knowing the dangers attendant on such a flight, without in some way coping with it by sending out some help during the progress of the flight. Nothing had l>ccn done till it was too late.

I he Mayor said that lie did not personally condemn the Government. It appeared to him that there had been a lack of co-operation between the authorities and the airmen.

ANOTHER. ASPIRANT.

SEEKING AN AEROPLANE

HAAIILTON, Jan. 18.

Provided lie can obtain a suitable machine Air Phillip Bailey, of Hamilton, proposes to become another aspirant for tlie trans-Tasman flight. He has communicated with Major de Haviland, of Afelbournc, asking whether a suitable DH9 type of biplane fitted with floats is available and is awaiting advice. The understanding is dependent 011 whether a favourable reply is received.

Ale Bailey states that the project is very indefinite at present, hut lie thinks that the flight could he done in the class of machine mentioned. Although it is regarded as out of date, it has a reliable, totally enclosed engine, and has good performance, which makes it particularly adaptable to a trans-Tasman flight. Air Bailey considers that tho cost of fitting out tho aeroplane) should he covered by £IOOO, and anticipates no difficulty in securing financial support if a T)H 9 machine can he secured. He stresses the point, however, that the proposal is still far from a definite undertaking. Air 3lai lev is 35 years of age, and a poultry keeper. He saw service in. the Royal Air Force at Home during and after Clio war until 1022.

The DH9 type of aeroplane, two of which are at tho AVigram Aerodrome is not considered by experienced airmen to he suitable for a long distance flight, chiefly on account, of its low speed and its limited range. Stripped of everything hut hare essentials. and using all the available space for fuel, a DII9 at the most, could stay in the air for a little longer than ten hours. If Air Bailey intends fo use a standard machine it- will lie equipped with a “I’lima” engine. the maximum speed of which for cruising purposes, is 80 to 8-5 miles an hour.

Thus given ten hours’ flying at this speed, which is a slow one as far as modern aircraft goes, tho pilot would find himself without petrol when he was 850 miles from his starting point. He would then have to descend on the sea when a little over half way on his journey.