Ten Days to London

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 498, 30 October 1928, Page 1

Ten Days to London

CAPT. HURLEY HOPS OFF “SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA'S” FLIGHT (United P.A. — By (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 10.45 a.m. SYDNEY, To-day. The airplane. “Spirit of Australia,left Richmond airdrome at 4.40 a.m. to-day on the first stage of its flight to London and back. The weather was dull but fine. Captain Frank Hurley and his companions, Flying-Officer S. J. Moir and Flying-Officer Owen, were seen off by a small crowd of well-wishers as the plane made a good take-off in the grey dawn.

According to a message from Melbourne, the Defence authorities explain that their reason for declining leave for Flying-Officer Owen is that it cost a great deal of money to train him, and his services were valued too highly to permit his hopping off on a private venture which, if successful, probably would result in the department losing him altogether.

The regulations require that an officer must serve for four years after gaining his pilot’s certificate. Mr. Owen had been four years in the service, but had only held his certificate for two of these. His resignation has not yet been accepted. He is therefore still a member of the Air Force, and it is an offence for him to be absent without leave. He could be arrested and court-martialled for desertion.

Captain Hurley and his companions are attempting to beat Hinkler's record by flying to Croydon in 10 days. They hope to accomplish the return trip in 28 days. The aerial distance to be covered will be slightly under 12,000 miles. A wireless transmitting and receiving apparatus has been installed in the machine, and it is expected that the airmen will be in constant communication with radio stations in Australia or London throughout the entire journey. AIR FARE OF £6OO ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA AND BACK HINKLER DISCUSSES PROSPECTS (Australia a and SZ. Press Association) Reed. 10.30 a.m. LONDON, Monday. Mr. Bert Hinkler, interviewed to-day, stated that his future was undecided. He ridiculed the rumour concerning his engagement by an Australian company flying German machines. “I am a free lance,” he said. “Numerous propositions have been submitted, but I will not tackle anything unless I am to be absolute director, running things my own way. “I am not contemplating flying the Atlantic to Australia.”

Discussing aviation, he said that he favoured the Britain-Australia service using twin-engined machines carrying ten passengers, and taking about a fortnight, with ten landings. The machines should fly mainly at night, thus allowing for sight-seeing and minimising the monotony. He estimated that the return fare will be between £6OO and £BOO. Such a scheme would link the Australian capitals, facilitate trade and popularise tourist traffic. He was convinced that the airplane would outclass the airship.