AVIATION IN PERSIA.

Shannon News, 2 August 1927, Page 2

AVIATION IN PERSIA.

GAOL FOR UNLUCKY PILOT. % , “I Caii” or the International Committee for Air Navigation, sat in Congress last month in London. Persia is a member of the convention, yet she forbade the landing at Persian aerodromes of Imperial Ainvays “buses” flying beAvteen Basra and Karachi. Quite recently the Persian air fleet, according to “The Aeroplane,” consisted of an old German machine Avith an Armenian pilot. The natives of Teheran had their eyes opened to Avhat real flying Avas Avhen a R.A.F. nilot from Iraq paid them a A’isit. The Persian commander ordered his “fleet” to take the air without delay, and do as the A-isitor had done. The Armenian didn’t Avant to. One cylinder of the Mercedes Avas missing—literally—for it. could not be found.

An order Avas an order, and the Armenian prepared to do his best on five cylinders. He crashed while taking off. Although the pilot should been taken to the hospital, the authorities sternly carted him to gaol instead! After saying his official fareAvells, the R.A.F. pilot prepared to take off. The wind had shifted, and the pilot found that his start was badly cramped by nearby houses. The Persian artillery, liOAvever turned out in full force and bloAv down the offending houses.