ACROSS THE TASMAN

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1930, Page 6

ACROSS THE TASMAN

MULTI-ENGINED FLYING

BOATS

QUESTION OF SAFETY

i Giant multi-engined -flying boats, spanning the Tasman, was the pictuie drawn by' Flying-Officer O. E. Kay, when asked whether an AustraliaNew Zealand air service could be esta bished.

. “It would be possible to start right away, if the money is available,” he said, “but it would cost a colossal sum, and it is just a question whether there is sufficient traffic to warrant the expense. “The service, if anid when established, will have to be. maintained by giant, multi-engined flying boats, because the stretch is a formidable one.” Aeroplanes would not give the same margin of safety as the flying boat, which could alight on the water if' necessary. Huge machines would have to be used, since the amount of petrol carried would be enormous, and would have to be added to the ■ weight of the passengers and cargo. A big margin of safety would be nccessaij, and the Government would demand this before they allowed mails to be carried.

He did not see any great difficulties so far as navigation was concerned. Beam wireless stations would have to bo established, and machines had to be wirelessly equipped, and then all the pilot would have to do would be to get on to the beam and stay there. H e had not given much consideration to the question of airships for the service, but considered that the Tasman service would have to be by flying boats.