AVIATION

Evening Star, Issue 19777, 30 January 1928, Page 5

AVIATION

THE COMMERCIAL ASPECT,

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

LONDON, January 28. Major-general Sir Sefton Brancker, Director of Civil Aviation, speaking at Manchester, said that America and Germany in 1927 flew 6,000,000 miles in tli© regular services, and Britain 1,500,000 miles. Britain was lagging behind, because the people did not realise the enormous possibilities of commercial aviation, and Government assistance was restricted, while the industry did not pay its own way. Nevertheless, he urged Manchester to prepare for a boom in commercial aviation.

NEW TORPEDO BOMBER,

LONDON, January 27

The Air Ministry has completed successful trials with a Handley-Pag© torpedo bomber, equipped with slotted wings. A single engine of 450 _ h.p. gives a speed of 140 miles. Carrying a torpedo it can be equipped to alight on land, water, or ship’s deck.

SUCCESSFUL TEST,

AIRSHIP ALIGHTS ON CARRIER

WASHINGTON, January 27. For what is believed to be the first time in the history of aeronautics, a landing was made by a dirigible on the deck of an aircraft carrier, when the Los Angeles to-day came to rest on the Saratoga in a carefully-planned test. It is believed that this will make possible the refuelling of dirigibles at sea, thus greatly increasing their radius of action.

PARACHUTIST’S ADVENTURE. A LONG DROP. SYDNEY, January 29. Lieutenant Qviller made a further parachute descent from an aeroplane at Bondi in the presence of 120,000 people. He jumped from a height of 7,000 ft and fell in the sea five miles off the shore. After swimming for an hour he was picked up by a passing steamer.