SOLO FLIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 45, 23 February 1931, Page 8

SOLO FLIGHT.

OFF TO AUSTRALIA?

MR. CHICHESTER'S PLANS.

INTENTION NOT ADMITTED.

'PLANE AT HOBSONVILLE.

Will Mr. F. C. Chichester, the New Zealand airmail, who made a solo flight from England to Australia, in January of last year, be the first airman to essay a solo flight from New Zealand to Australia, with Auckland as the startingpoint ? Reports have been received from the South stating that his partner, Mr. Goodwill, had stated that Mr. Chichester was in Auckland awaiting suitable weather to hop off for Australia, the intention being to fit the machine with floats and carry a collapsible rubber boat.

Mr. Chichester flew to Auckland nine days ago, and lie is now at the Hobsonville Air Base, attending to his Moth plane. Interviewed by telephone this* afternoon, Mr. Chichester said he had no definite plans. "What are you in Auckland.for?" Mr. Chichester was asked. "Oh, I don't know," the airman replied. Are you really contemplating a trip to Australia? —I really cannot say anything. I would like to get in touch with Mr. Goodwin to ascertain what lie really said. Mr. Chichester added: "My future plans are most indefinite. I might let you know something in a day or so." "Will you deny that it is your intention to fly to Australia?" Mr. Chichester was then asked. After some hesitation he said that he would. Mr. Chichester left on a visit to England'in May, 1929, and after nine months at Home he purchased his own 'plane. After 30 hours' tuition he toured the Continent and shortly after lie returned to England he left suddenly one morning, saying only, "Good-bye boys, I'm off to Australia."