Ovation To Chichester

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 885, 31 January 1930, Page 9

Ovation To Chichester

SYDNEY’S WARM WELCOME Solo Flight From England THRILLS ON THE JOURNEY United P. 4 Te\c graph—Copyright SYDNEY, Thursday. THE New Zealand airman, P. C. Chichester, who has flown to Australia from England, was escorted by 14 airplanes when he arrived at Mascot airdrome at 3.55 p.m. today. He was delayed after leaving Narromine by dense, low clouds. The escorting machines had great difficulty in locating him.

Mr. Chichester, who was looking well and happy, was received by the Mayor of Mascot, Mr. Alexander, and the district superintendent of aviation. Mr. W. R. Blow, New Zealand Government Agent, and other prominent people, also welcomed him. Nearly 1,000 spectators gave Chichester a rousing cheer. His machine was immediately taken to the General Aircraft Company’s workshops for a complete overhaul. Dr. J. S. Purdy and Mr, H. L. Havyatt also extended hearty greetings from New Zealand to the airman. The New South Wales Government, which was represented by the Attor-ney-General, Mr, F. S. Boyce, the president of the Aero Club, Mr. Wiltshire, and the Chief City Commissioner, Mr. John Garlick, also paid a tribute to his daring venture. When the airplane had come to a standstill a number of the New Zealanders present shouldered the aviator and carried him to the clubhouse steps, where they greeted him with cries of “Haere mai!” led by a Maori. TAKING RISKS ALOFT The Mayor of Mascot then presented him with an illuminated address. Chichester, who has a very retiring manner, replied briefly. He expressed his hearty appreciation of the reception, but said he did not deserve the glowing compliments paid to his skill, as any New Zealand or Australian airman would jump at the chance to make this flight. In an interview Chichester said that ever since Mr. Hinkler broke the record to Australia, he had been anxious to mare an attempt to better it. But he now felt sure that, even had he not crashed at Tripoli, he would not have broken Mr. Hinkler's record, which he regarded as a great achievement. Questioned as to his experiences, Chichester said the most exciting ride he ever had was when he was lost near Camooweal. On going aloft with only three gallons in his tank, he knew he could fly for 30 minutes only, so he decided to fly eastward for 15 minutes, and to return if he had sighted no habitation. After being in the air for 14$ minutes, he saw Rocklands station, and he came down there. “A DIRTY RUN” During his stay at Bore overnight he drank water, in which, he said, “you could stand your boots up,” and his biscuits were soaked with petrol. His longest hop was S7O miles, across the North African desert. The stretch, however, from Victoria Point to Singapore, is characterised by Chichester as “a dirty run.” Here he encountered storms and rain throughout. The maps used by him were most inaccurate. The places he passed over were not shown, and places marked on the charts he could not find. His airplane had no bank indicator, and he flew throughout by compass.

The airman said he learned his navigation in the hard school of experience. Before leaving England he had done 155 solo hours’ flying. He said it took 12 instructors to teach him to fly, and he had 25 hours’ tuition before making his solo attempt. NO TASMAN FLIGHT Chichester stated emphatically that he would not attempt to fly to New Zealand, as his Moth airplane, which incidentally is the first Moth ever flown from England to Australia, has a range of only 1,500 miles, and as the distance to New Zealand is 1,450 miles, the margin is too small, .and it would be suicidal to make the attempt. But if someone supplied him with a suitable machine, he would certainly try. Asked what provisions he carried, the aviator said he had a. four-course meal on board. He went on to explain that this comprised biscuits under the petrol tank, sandwiches under the compass, beer and wine. Questioned as to his future plans, he said he supposed he would have to work. He will take his machine to New Zealand with him. He has not yet decided when he would sail for New Zealand, but he expects to leave tomorrow week. Chichester was taken into the city by Mr. Blow in his car, and will be his .guest at several welcoming functions during the week. A London message says the “Daily Telegraph” publishes an exclusive story from F. C. Chichester, written from Tripoli, describing his early experiences on his flight, and how he crossed the Alps in the tiny machine which he calls “Good old Elijah.” Tile narrative clearly shows the good spirit and tenacity which enabled him to reach Australia.

PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE

SIGNAL ACHIEVEMENT Press Association WELLINGTON. Thursday. The Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, has sent the following message to the New Zealand airman, Mr. P. C. Chichester, addressed to the airdrome, Sydney: “The Government and your fellowcitizens in the Dominion send warmest congratulations on the splendid feat which you have accomplished in flying single-handed from England to Australia. The fact that your previous aviation experience was certainly not extensive, and indeed much less than that of your distinguished predecessors on this long air trail, constitutes a signal tribute to your skill and courage, and ensures a lasting place for your great achievement in the annals of outstanding aerial flights. Moreover, your successful venture will be a valuable stimulus to the development of the air sense in the Dominion.”