FLIGHT ACROSS COOK STRAIT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 300, 13 September 1921, Page 4

FLIGHT ACROSS COOK STRAIT

TRIP FROM SOCKBURN t’O WELLINGTON. \ By Telegraph—Press Association. Blenheim, September 12. The Canterbury Aviation Company’s Avro 110, vrftfi a Rhone engine, left Sockuurn aerodrome at 7.27 this morning on her-maiden trip. Her pilot is Captain Douglas Gray, the mechanic J. E. Cruse, and the observer H. J. Wilson. She arrived nt the Blenheim aerodrome at 10.45, a.nd left for Wellington after half an hour’s stay. It was a good irip_ under ideal weather conditions, and was uneventful. The' average altitude attained was 5000'[bet. The consumption of petrol was extremely low—only ten gallons. A stop was made at the Elms, Kaikoura, ior breakfast and' fuel supply. The machine rose to a height of 9500 ft. to cross the Strait, which was accomplished, in 26 minutes, the fastest time on record. After passing Cape Terawhiti, the Avro circled over Wellington for some minutes, and then proceeded to Lower Hutt Park, where a landing was made. The total distance of 270 miles was covered in three hours fifteen minutes actual flying time.