CHICHESTER’S PROGRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 882, 28 January 1930, Page 9

CHICHESTER’S PROGRESS

ARRIVAL AT CLONCURRY ON SYDNEY FLIGHT PRAISED FROM ENGLAND United P. A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 11.30 a.m. SYDNEY, Today. Mr. F. C. Chichester, the New Zealand airman, who landed at Darwin on Saturday after a solo flight, from England, left Darwin again on Sunday morning for Sydney and has now arrived at Cloncurry. A message from London says unstinted praise is given to Chichester by the "Daily Telegraph’s*’ aviation expert. He says his untrumpeted exploit stands out as one of the really big flights, not only as an example of pluck and determination, but as illustrating convincingly the utility of light two-seater machines. The writer says Chichester is not a’ professional airman or mechanician and therefore is unlike Hinkler, who had thousands of flying hours’ experience. In every respect except that of his attainment he is purely an amateur. It was a bold undertaking, for, after he had left the well-beaten air route to India, Chichester was dependent upon his own resources. CHICHESTER’S FUEL SUPPLIES The organisation of lying down supplies of spirit and oil throughout this flight was in the hands of the Shell Company. This is‘an undertaking of greater magnitude than is generally appreciated. Not only have supplies to be laid down at prearranged points, but also at other points where, due to bad weather, etc., the airplane may have to land. Shell Spirit and Shell Motor Oil used throughout this flight was available at all tlie points touched by Mr. Chichester. Every flight from England to Australia has been accomplished on Shell Spirit—a striking testimony to the faith placed by world-renowned aviators in Shell.—2