SPEED RECORD.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19461, 7 November 1928, Page 11

SPEED RECORD.

GREIG UNDISMAYED.

READY TO TRY AGAIN.

(BBITISH omciil, WIHELESS.)

RUGBY, November 5.

On Saturday's trial flight, FlightLieutenant D'Arcy Greig was dissatisfied with the propeller, which was not gripping the air sufficiently to absorb the power generated by his engine, which thus caused fumes in the cockpit. It is believed that the fresh propeller fitted for the official attempt was also inadequate, and experts are considering whether some slight alteration in the angle of the blades would give extra efficiency. A further attempt on the record remains for the time being under consideration by the Air Council. Exports are enthusiastic about Flight-Lieutenant Greig's wonderful handling of the machine. Before the attempt he announced his intention of covering the course sis times to permit of the selection of four runs for averaging purposes. This he did, swooping after each run into a wide circle. The machine shot through the air with a shrill, high-pitched note, and the spectators held their breath at the terrific strain, which such speed involves for both man and machine.

Flight-Lieutenant. Greig's judgment in diving on to the course was superb. On landing he seemed perfectly unperturbed t»y his ordeal. Once, while diving his goggles were sooted and he had to take nis hand off the throttle to wipe them. He was too occupied to examine the speed indicator and simply judged his rate by the feel of his machine , Lieutenant Greig is 28 years od and has a distinguished war record. When he was 18 years old his machine was shot down behind the German lines He managed, after walking thirteen miles, to dodge through the German lines and to rejoin the British forces. Last year he avoided disnster by juhiping from his aeroplane and descending safely with a parachute. He succeeded this year tb the command of the Air Force high speed flight. When he heard from the referees that his Bight yesterday, while establishing a fresh unofficial speed record, had not dope so officially, he accepted the news with fortitude, and said with a broad smile i "Never mind, I hope to have another whack at it." Hundreds of congratulatory telegrams to-day reached ant Greig. He is to take rt fe\V dayß leave. If he receives permission from the Airs Council for another attempt on the record, it will hot be made foi another fortnight.