FLYING THE ATLANTIC.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2109, 28 March 1914, Page 13

FLYING THE ATLANTIC.

MR. ORVILLR WIUGET PESSIMISTIC. Mr. Orville Wright, who, with _ his brother, tho late Mr. Wilbur Wright, was the pioneer of aviation in the United States,' is not optimistic as, to tho prospects of a trans-Atlantic flight being accomplished this year. Interviewed recently at his homo at Dayton, O-liWj the famous aviator said:—"the most serious difficulty to be oyercmao is i/teat of ettgino trouble, for no existing engine would stand the strain imposed upon it by such a' flight. "I know that aviators have made many i nights of long duration, but if a man is out to create a record for. remaining in tho air he can nurse his engines. The man who is flying tlio Afclantio will have no s-ueh opportunity, for lie will bo compelled to drive his s?achino at full speed all the way, and ji.o engine at present constructed qould stand the strain of 100 niil-fls an hour for 17 or 18 hours right off.

"To construct an engine of sttffreienfc durability and an aeroplano With capacity for carrying a crow and enough, fuel for a 3000-mile journey will requiro the .utmost skill, and wliilo such a feat may bo accomplished jit tlio futuro, the science of aeroplane-builditlg is.mot yet far enough advanced to enable it to bo done with safety now. Personally I consider it absolutely foolish to attempt such a feat with slieh enginos as aro at our disposal now."—"Daily Mail."