FRENCHMEN’S GREAT FLIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 19842, 16 April 1928, Page 3

FRENCHMEN’S GREAT FLIGHT

35,225 MILES IN 33S HOURS Prut A«»oci»tion—By Telegraph—Copyright PARIS, April 13 While interest is centred in the German transatlantic flight, the Frenchmen, Captain Costes and Lieutenant Le Bri.x, are completing a remarkable bight from Tokio. They arrived at Atnens at 6.30 to-night, and are expected to reach Paris on Saturday night, covering Asia and Europe in six days. On Sunday and Monday they covered 2,500 miles, Tuesday 1,360, Wednesday 1,520, Thursday 1,000, representing an almost superhuman effort. The route from Jlarseillcs will bo picked out with searchlights. Elaborate precautions arc being taken at Le Bourget to protect the airmen from the enthusiastic crowds. A great reception is being planned, in which the Government will participate. An amusing feature is that Le Brix has overstayed his leave, but his remarkable performance is likely to wipe out any navel breach.—Australian Pross Association.

FLYERS REACH PARIS. PARIS, April To. Costes and Le Brix arrived at Lc Bonrget. Three squadrons of military aeroplanes went out to meet the flyers, who were surrounded hy a vast crowd immediately they landed. The police barriers were demolished, and the airmen were seized by their admirers and carried shoulder-high to a specially-pre-pared hangar, where 51. Perrier, Atinistor of the Colonies, welcomed them. Afterwards they were escorted hy cavalry. They drove to P.aris, and subsequently the flyers appeared on the balcony of the Louvre building, where, they were accorded a tremendous ovation. They looked thin, but cheerful. They left- Paris on ID. and covered 35,225 miles in 338 flying hours. —Australian Press Association.