TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 19550, 7 May 1927, Page 10

TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT

FRENCH AIRMAN’S ATTEMPT • M. BLERIOT’S VIEWS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, May 5. Captain Sfc. Remain lias left the African coast on a transatlantic flight to Brazil. A wireless message received later stated that ho was fur out at sea, and going well. Captain St. Rornain does not carry the official sanction-of the French Air Ministry, because he “ removed his floats.”" On the other hand, the Franco-Latin Association, which made itself responsible for the -flight, declares that it has every confidence in him. '

The aviator declared, before starting, that he had entire confidence in his. machine without the floats. A mechanic named Mathis, who accompanied him to Marseilles, withdrew because he regarded the trip as dangerous.* He was replaced by another. M. Bleriot, in an interview, said that a transatlantic flight could only be commercially practical by establishing three or four mid-ocean stations, where machines could land and replenish. 11 Aviation,” he said, ” has not advanced to the stage which makes these crossings more than sporting events. The distance and the weather are no obstacles, but commercial transatlantic flights must be preceded by numerous trials. The factors militating against commercial usefulness include fuel, the crowding of passengers, and the necessity of forming a horseshoe of goods stations. There would have to be a number of largo and powerful aeroplanes flying at a great height. These are very expensive, costing at least £IOO,OOO each.” ANXIETY REGARDING AIRMAN. RIO JANEIRO, May 6. (Received May 7, at 10.15 a.m.) Late to-night the fate of St. Remain, remained a mystery. Early in the morning he reported by radio that he was only 120 miles away. It is possible that he landed on an isolated spot on the coast.—A. and N.Z. and ‘Sun’ Cable.