PACIFIC AIR SERVICE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22317, 3 February 1938, Page 12

PACIFIC AIR SERVICE

* EARLY RESUMPTION EXPECTED APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF PILOT (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, February 2. An early announcement of the next flight across the South Pacific to New Zealand by a Pan American Airways Clipper is awaited by Mr Harold Gatty, special representative of the company in New Zealand. The plans of the company for an early resumption of the New Zealand service, interrupted by the tragic loss of the Samoan Clipper and her crew off Tutuila (American Samoa) on January 12, have already been made public. It is understood that as soon as the necessary arrangements have been completed, schedule running will be resumed. Advice of the appointment of Captain John Tilton, a veteran pilot of the company, to succeed Captain Edwin C. Musick as chief pilot of the Pacific division of Pan American Airways, has been received by Mr Gatty. Captain Tilton, who has served with the company for many years, has had considerable experience on the West Indies run, and more recently has commanded Martin Clippers on the Orient route. In his new capacity Captain Tilton may possibly visit New Zealand, though it is thought likely that Captain Culbertson, the only commander in the company’s employ who has already been over the South Pacific route to Auckland, will bring the next clipper southward. The Pan American airport manager in Auckland, Mr A. L. Lewis, who arrived from the United States last year with other members of the staff in anticipation of the inauguration of the service, has been recalled to headquarters at Alameda. It is possible that Mr Lewis will sail by the Monterey on Monday. The transfer is understood to be temporary, and though another officer will be sent from the United States to replace Mr Lewis, it is expected that Mr Lewis will later return to Auckland as manager.