DR. KIDSON’S ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1928, Page 3

DR. KIDSON’S ENQUIRY

QUESTIONS FOR AIRMEN. NORTHERLY COURSE ADVISED. BLENHEIM, September 25. •In the course of Ms letter to Squad-ron-Leader lvingsfbid Smith, the Government Meteorologist says: “In order that Ave may appreciate the situation fully I should like to knoiv: (1) Your speed through the air; (°) how long you Avill be able to stay in the air : (3) hoAV long you could ivait at Blenheim for suitable conditions; ft) ivhether you are determined to make the flight or Avhether, if reasonable conditions are not obtainable, it Avill be abandoned. Ycur replies would, of course, he regarded as confidential.

“ We do not knoAv much about the variation of wind Ayitli height over the ocean,, but generally speaking you Avill no doubt get lighter Avinds by flying low. The increase AA’ith height Avill probably be fairly rap : d, and unless you can fly /within a few hundred feet of the surface you would probably not gain \ r ery much. lloAvever, on the ivay back you ivill no doubt he able to make drift observations. It Avill probably he advisable to take a northerly tours" throughout in order to get into lighter winds. I shall he very glad indeed to have your account of the iveather conditions experienced on tlie outivard and return flights, particularly any precise facts regarding electrical effects.” Dr Kidson concludes: “What yon have said publicly assists future flyers of the "Tasman Sea in securing such meteorological, assistance as is p-ssihle, and av ill have done some good. Such assistance cannot be properly , given without a suitable staff and organisation.”