OVER THE ALPS

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 138, 11 June 1920, Page 6

OVER THE ALPS

HINCKLER'S GREAT FEAT

A WONDERFUL AERO ENGINE.

(BNITED PRBB9 ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.) UI'STBAUAS - NEW ZEALAND CABLB ASSOCIATION.) LONDON, 9th June.. Hinckler used twenty gallons of petrol during the flight from London to Turin. His engine ib the most distinguished ill the history of the areo engine, according to Mr. Charles Grey, an aviation authority. It was used by Captain Hammersley in the Aerial Derby Race in 1919, and by many early aviators. Replying to a suggestion that the climbing of the Alps was a tough proposition for such a small craft, Hinckler said: that when he reached there he would have only a couple of gallons of petrol, and the machine's climbing would be "better than anything the old Alps could pui) against her." Hinckler did not receive ■any financial assistance. Mr. Grey adds that Australia should be proud of this wonderful pilot. Describing the passage of the Alps in a letter to his wife, Hinckler 3ays : "As I gained altitude I couldi see nasty black peaks poking through. It was a heavy task for the poor engine. When up 10,000 feet, I had to lift her over one or two of the highest peaks."