IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1919, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

THE AMERICAN EFFORT. heavy, machines. Received May SO, 10.10 p.m. New York, May 17 (delayed). The New York Times' correspondent at Trepassey Bay, Newfoundland, states that the two United States seaplanes which started the trans-Atlantic ilight were each equipped with four Liberty 12-cylinder motors, developing 1000 horse-power. Each plane carried 1700 gallons of petrol and was able to develop ninety miles an hour- The planes carried six men each, and measured 126 feet at the greatest length of the planes. Although not the largest machines in the world they are considered the most powerful. The weight of petrol on each machine was 10,000 pounds. They also carried MO pounds of lubricating oil. The planes were equipped with wireless with a range of 300 miles, enabling them to keep in constant touch with the United Slates warships, which patrolled the Atlantic from Trepassey to the Azores at intervals of 50 miles.

The United Press correspondent says that 21 American destroyers patrolled the toute of flight. The destroyer Melville wirelessed that No. 4 was fifty miles from Horta, Azores, at 8.10 a.m., Washington time, and landed at Horta at 9 30. During the whole flight and at intervals of less than an hour the patrolling destroyers received wireless messages from the seaplanes. These messages were transmitted to Washington, where larsc assemblages of officials awaited them eagerlv. The planes were making a speed of 93 miles an hour during the first, eight hours of the journey. No. 4 developed engine trouWe on the first le? of the journey from Rockaway to Halifax, and required heavy repairs at Trepassey before starting for the Azores.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. SEASON FOR AMERICAN FLIGHT. TO CHART FEASIBLE AIR ROUTE. Received May 31, 12.15 a.m. Washington, May 17 (delayed). The Navy Department announces that the corrected time of the journey of the NC4 from Trepassey to Horta was 15 .hours 15 minutes and the distance 1200 miles. Commander Reid piloted the NC4. ' Received May 31, 12.40 a m. New York, May 17. Mr. 'Daniels, secretary to the United States Navy, states that the Americans have been preparing for the past two years for the trans-Atlantic flight. There was no intention of competing against tlio British. America's object is to chart a feasible air route between Britain an& America. —Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. A RETURN FLIGHT PREDIGTED. ENTHUSIASM AT TREPASSEY.

AVIATORS CHEERED ON DEPARTURE.

Received May 31, 1.10 a.m. New York, May 27. The New York Times' Trepassey correspondent says he learns on good authority that if the seaplanes reach England they may try the flight back in the event of winds being favorable.

The shores of Trepastey Bay were lined by thousands of natives, fishermen, and British and American sailors when the three seaplanes rose in the air, and the harbor was also gay with ikhing smacks, small boats, and British and American naval vessels. The planes manoeuvred for several minutes and then headed out to sea, the crowds cheering till the planet; became specks in the sky. It was originally intended that each plane should carry five men, but Commander Tower decided to lessen the lottd of petrol by 100 gallons and increase the crews to six men, who wore leather suits and helmets with telephone arrangements attached. Concentrated foods were carried in the event of emergency.

FOG-BOUND. EXPERIENCES OF AN AIRSHIP. Received May 30, 10.45 p.m. London, May 30. The army airship R34 had a startling experience during her trial trip. She lost her bearings in the fog and was forced to remain in the air for 21 hours. The crew of 31 persons were exhausted through the want of food.