CROSSING THE ATLANTIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 197, 18 February 1914, Page 4

CROSSING THE ATLANTIC.

Is nn aeroplane flight across the Atlantic possible? This is a question commanding the keenest attention from the leading aeronauts of the world, and it is interesting to note, that considerable difference of opinion prevails amongst tho leaders of aerial navigation. Some few days ago we published a cable message to the effect that Mr. Orvillc Wright, one of the fathers of flying, considered the attempt to crow the Atlantic impracticable and foolhardy. On the other hand, Mr. Glen Curtis, a notable aeronaut, is confident that the tas-k can be accomplished. Yesterday morning we also a published a cable stating that Lieut. Porte had left for America to prepare for the flight, and considers that his only difficulty will bo in navigation, but even this he expects to overcome, and estimates the time occupied in the flight will be twenty hours. He proposes to keep ill the track of vessels to ensure rescue in case of an accident. Mr. Curtis says that he has plans prepared for his machine, and if funds permitted him to build he could make the attempt in the spring, All that he wants is forty to forty-eight hours' good weather and certain freedom from mechanical accidents. He points out that "the distance from the Gulf of Newfoundland to the Irish coast is less than 1800 miles, consequently with' the present standard of equipment it would be tie cessary to replenish fuel only hvice on the way over. Here, again, some nice calculation will be required in order to inako sure of being in tho vicinity of a steamship when fuel is needed. This, however, should not be a difficult matter with the constant procession of vessels now crossing the Atalntic." Mr. Curtis has great confidence in (lie modern motor, and says that barring a chance of unusual accident failure 011 tlmt account is very improbable. Neither does he anticipate any grave difficult' in picking up fuel from passing linels. Speaking of the machine proposed lie says the new ocean air boat is about three times the size of his biggest Hying boat so far, and it will have a motor of not less than 400 horse-power. it will carry at least two men as its crew and a storage of so much gasolene and oil that a single descent to replenish supplies should be sufficient. The erciv j would ride in comfort, and there would be nothing of the stunt in their making a 1500-mile flight without a stop and then going on after a call on a vessel stationed midway in the ocean. A substantial supply of oil would have to be carried, as a 400-h.p. motor eats fuel at the rate of four gallons an hour, but it is anticipated that a stock to last ten hours can be_ easily stored. Taken ail round, however, the general impression gathered from the discussion of this project is that the most important consideration is the weather. If competitors can happen on line weather the chances appear favorable! to (he venture.