JOINT EFFORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 2, 4 January 1933, Page 7

JOINT EFFORT.

TO FLY ATLANTIC. ] W Mollisons Plan Four Big Flights. CROSSING BOTH WAYS. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, January 3. The "Evening Standard" states that Mr. J. A. Mollison and. his Avife (formerly Miss Amy Johnson) are planning to jointly fly the North Atlantic both ways in the English spring. In a subsequent interview, Mr. Mollison stated that the joint North Atlantic flight would follow a solo flight by him from Dakar, West Africa, to Rio de Janeiro, South America, and back. The two South Atlantic trips would he made in his 'plane, Heart's Content. The double North Atlantic flight will bo made in a biplane. —. In 1932 the Mollisons set up four world record flights. The first was Mr. Mollison'e flight from England to Capetown in March, which was' beaten in November by hie wife. Shortly afterwards the latter captured the record for the return flight to England. In August, three weeks after their marriage, Mr. Mollison flew the Atlantic, thereby setting up four records — the first airman to fly westward solo over the Atlantic, shortest time from land to land, first trans-Atlantic flight in a light 'plane, and the longest duration flight in a light 'plane. He was to have flown back to Britain, but for health reasons did not make the attempt. SOUTHERN CROSS. Preparations for Tasman Flight. RETURN TRIP CONTEMPLATED. (Received 12 soon.) SYDNEY, this day. Mechanics and wireless experts are working day and night on the Southern Cross at Mascot aerodrome, preparing the monoplane for the New Zealand flight. Special radio telephony and Morse receiving and transmitting equipment arrived .from Holland yesterday. Installed in a soundproof cabin, it will be tested to-day with amateur wireless stations during flights over the city. An electric landing light of 60,000 candle power, and driven by a special generator, has been installed. "It will floodlight any aerodrome," explained the pilot.' "We are taking it along in case we are delayed by head winds until after dusk." A total weight of 13,0001b will be lifted for the New Zealand trip, including five persons and 660 gallons of gasoline, sufficient for from 22 to 24 hours' flying. The 'plane weighs 63001b empty. Sir Charles has stated that he plans to fly back to Australia. The flight of the Southern Cross is to commence from Gerringong Beach, on the south coast of New South Wales, to-day week. The terminal point chosen ie New Plymouth, and later the 'plane will visit other parts of New Zealand.