AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1929, Page 5

AVIATION

AIRAIKN’S PROPOSAL. "(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—-Copyright.) (Received this day at 1.80 pm.) LONDON. Jan. 7. Aloir and Owen, whose splendid airmanship during the ill-1 atod Spirit of Australia flight was warmly regarded by British experts who realise just wluil the two Australian officers laced and overcame with their over-laden machine, until the regrettable crash at Athens. They are determined to return to Australia by air. At present there is an all British De Havilaiul 50 machine with Jaguar engine available for this purpose. The estimated cost of the machine and expenses on route is £85.000 sterling. A similar type was used by Cobham and approved by the Ah' Alinistry. The oil company concerned agrees to relay depots as soon as the money is forthcoming. The aviators made strenuous endeavours to obtain a machine. Moir went to Amsterdam and interviewed Fokkors who said they would willingly provide a machine free il one were available, but owing to heavy orders ilhov arc unable to do so before Sepj tember.

A British company is. now building Fokkers at Birmingham and lias sufficient confidence in Moir and Owen to allow them to take out a Fokker with passengers, if they can wait a low months. The aviators feel lime is the most pressing aspect. Advices from Australia suggest £2500 sterling is subscribed and they are anxious for ilm additional amount to be available in order to finish Hie flight as planned forthwith.

END OK FLIGHT. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7. Qucstioninark was forced down owing to the left motor running dead at 2.12 p.m. this afternoon, alter 00-10 minutes flight.