Rl0l OUTRIDES STORM

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 797, 18 October 1929, Page 9

Rlol OUTRIDES STORM

“MAITLAND” IS LIKELY TO BE HER NAME AFTER R3B COMMANDER (United Service) Reed. 9.5 a.m. LONDON’, Thurs. The RlOl had its first experience of rough weather yesterday, when it successfully outrode a sudden windstorm which varied from 35 to 45 '•miles an hour. Storm orders were immediately issued, and also other preparations were made in case of a breakaway: but “The Times” aeronautical correspondent. who was aboard, says the airship rolled so gently and evenly that her motion was almost imperceptible. As soon as the series of trial flights is completed the airship will he officially launched and named. For the name there are many suggestions. including “Queen of the Clouds," “Bird of Peace.” “Silver Shadow" and “Fairy Queen”: but the “Daily News” says the most likely is "Maitland.” in memory of the commander who lost his life on the U3S, when she broke in two over the Humber iu 1921. Her sister-ship, the RIOO. is at present undergoing engine trials at Howdeu. She is expected to fly at the end of the month.

A British Official Wireless message says the second trial flight of the new British airship RlOl will be made tomorrow. Weather conditions promising to be favourable, the airship will leave the mooring-mast, at eight o’clock in the morning, and ft*" westward, makiug u tour over t!-n large industrial towns and reachin.* her base again some time before sunset.

lvord Thomson, the Air Minister, will be one of the passengers. He will be accompanied by his secretary, and he proposes to carry out his normal day’s work while in flight, as he would if he were in his office. Major Scott, who is in command, is greatly pleased with the way the airship yesterday weathered storm conditions while at the mooring-mast.