RECORD IN GLIDER

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28425, 4 November 1957, Page 7

RECORD IN GLIDER

British Interest

Although the record-breaking glider flight by Mr Keith Wakeman, of Christchurch, of about 270 miles from Lees Valley to Palmerston North, has yet to be confirmed as a world speed record over 400 kilometres, the chairman of the British Gliding Association (Mr Philip Wills) said in a radio broadcast in Britain that Mr Wakeman's flight was the "most startling in history.”

Mr Wakeman, who had hoped to fly from Palmerston North to Ashburton yesterday, had to end his flight at Blenheim, where he stayed last night.

He would have used a tow plane to assist him in his return flight. No reason for his landing at Blenheim could be obtained last night.

The 8.8. C. announced that Mr Wakeman had established a world record with his flight, which might have averaged 95 miles an hour.

Mr Wakeman told reporters in Palmerston North that the news of a world record was "news to

Commenting on the British report. the president of the New Zealand Glider Association (Mr B. G. Dingwall) said that the details of times taken during the flight would first have to be scrutinised by the association. The 8.8. C. comment was the result, he said, of advice cables to Britain to persons interested there in gliding.

“It may have been a little premature,” he said.

If the association was satisfied that the time checks were satisfactory it would have then forwarded to the Federation Aeronautique Internalionale. the international headquarters of sporting aviation, for consideration as a world record over 400 kilometres

“I do not think there is a record for this distance yet. and Mr Wakeman’s splendid effort might be considered worthy of a record.” he said. » Even if the flight was not a world record, it had been one of the finest glider flights ever made, he said.