AVIATION RECORDS

Evening Star, Issue 19579, 10 June 1927, Page 4

AVIATION RECORDS

LONG-DISTANCE FLIGHTS BRITISH ATTEMPT TO BE MADE* (Official British News.) Press Association—By Wireless—Copyright. RUGBY, Juno 9. (Received June 10, at 11 a.m.) , The Air Ministry’s decision that a further British attempt shall be made to capture the world’s long-distance flight record was taken a few hours after the return to London of FlightLieutenants Carr and Gillman, whose plucky effort to reach Karachi three weeks ago ended in a descent in the shark-iufestod waters of the Persian Gulf. They had flown 3,425 miles before their descent, which was 'caused by a technical defect, thus beating the previous long-distance record of 3,343, which was established by the Frenchmen, Coste and Rignet. Meanwhile, Captain Lindbergh had exceeded the Englishmen's distance by 185 miles, and now Chamberlain’s flight has raised the record to approximately 3,900 . miles. The fresh British effort will be made on the same route as that previously followed • towards Karachi, which is 4,100 miles from Britain. The interest of British aviation circles is now centred in the prospect of the record being achieved by service pilots, who will attempt this month a non-stop . aeroplane flight to Karachi. It is revealed in the Press to-day that it was only the sheerest bad luck which prevented Lieutenants Carr, and Gillman from succeeding, in their attempt. It is understood authoritatively that the cause of their forced descent in the Persian Gulf was nothing more than a block in the petrol pipe .of the machine. It is stated that Lieutenant Carr will again act as pilot, while the navigation will be entrusted to Flight-Lieutenant Harrison, who is at present on the staff at the Air Ministry,' The chances of success are regarded by. experts very bright.