FLIGHT TO THE POLE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 6 May 1925, Page 5

FLIGHT TO THE POLE

A MUNDSEN ’S PREP A R ATIONS

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian & N.Z Cable Association.)

(Copyright) ’LONDON, May 4

Amundsen, in a wireless message from Spitzbergcn, states that by the lime this article appears tho aeroplane trials should be over and the ships Liam and Hobby should have sailed for the north coast, of Spitzbergcn, from where they will advise by wireless concerning the weather outlook. They will probably anchor near the edge of the polar ice or alongside, ice in some ljord. Once the aeroplanes rejoin them there we will wait, for a forecast of good weather for ail extended period. When that, is assured we will take off for the Pole at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, when the sun will he in such a position that the shadow of ihe wings will not- cast across the solar compass. The distance from the base to the Pole is 687 miles, which if it is calm, should he traversed in eight- hours. During the- early stages we will attempt a speed of 93 miles per hour, hut, if a. head wind arises endangering the petrol supply, we will either turn hack, using only one engine, or we will transfer the. petrol from one machine to the other and all return to the base in one aeroplane. If everything is favourable, however, we will land as soon as observations show we are above the Pole. If we land some distance from the Pole the journey will lie completed on skis. We may he absent several days making perfectly' sure of our observations. If we cannot discover a. suitable landing we shall drop overboard the Norwegian flag and then shape our course to Spitborgcn. Even geographical results will not then be prejudiced, because from a height- of a thousand feet we command an area of 125 miles in diameter. Tests of the apparatus to prevent engines, water and oil freezing have proved most successful. We, are thus safeguarded against difficulty in starting the engines. One aeroplane will he piloted by Riiserlarsen and navigated by myself, and the other will be piloted by Dietrichsen and navigated by Ellsworth. Films and photographs of the flight will .be taken. LON DON. Mav 5.

Amundsen, in a message from Kings’ Bav, on Tuesday, stales that- the Fram and Hobby wili proceed northwards at o'clock this evening. Fliers will follow to-morrow with aeroplanes. The weather continues favourable.