DELIGHTED WITH PLANE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 605, 6 March 1929, Page 9

DELIGHTED WITH PLANE

MOIR AND OWEN READY FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA (United Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 12.40 p.m. LONDON, Tuesday. Flying-Officer Molr and FlyingOfficer Owen, in an interview to-day, told the Australian Press Association that a Jaguar engine was being installed in their Viekers-Vellore machine for their forthcoming flight to Australia. A few finishing touches were also necessary. Everything should be in readiness for flying tests, to be carried out during the week-end. In the event of these being satisfactory, the airmen will leave the Lynipne Airdrome, weather permitting, about the middle of the coming week. Flying-Officer Owen returned from Coventry, where at present exhaustive tests are being made with the Jaguar engine, which is a recent production. These have extended over a week. Following long periods of slow running, and also at two-thirds and full throttle, the engine was completely dismantled on no fewer than three occasions. It was Anally passed by the Aircraft Inspection Board. Both airmen say that they are delighted with the machine. They had hoped for a faster type in order to attempt a record on their Australian flight, but in view of the size of the Viekers-Vellore, which Is a freighter and designed to lift heavy loads, speed necessarily may have to be reduced While they are hopeful of a fast flight, they emphasised to-day that they are making no claim to attempt a record. The machine is the most up-to-date of any in use, but wireless will not be carried on the flight.