PACIFIC FLIGHTS

Evening Star, Issue 23350, 21 August 1939, Page 13

PACIFIC FLIGHTS

CALIFORNIA CLIPPER LEAVES TO-MORROW DUE AUCKLAND AUGUST 29 [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, August 20. Announcing the schedule for the first Pan-American flight since the tragic loss of the Samoan Clipper last year, Mr Harold Gatty said to-day that tho giant plane California Clipper would leave San Francisco on Tuesday and would fly to a schedule that would bring her to Auckland on Tuesday, August 20. Mr Gatty emphasised that the flight was essentially for survey purposes by the company’s representatives and United States Government observers to report on tho new bases at Canton Island and Noumea. If the officials desired to stay longer at any of tho bases their wishes would be met, and thus the schedule might bo extended. The California Clipper, which is coming over the new South Pacific route; will be commanded by Captain J. H. Tilton, chief pilot of the company’s Pacific division. The Clipper will carry a total complement of 23 persons, comprising a crew of 11 and 12 United States Government and company observers. No official welcome is planned for either the Aotearoa or the Clipper at the conclusion of their first flights to the Dominion. It is probable, however, that the subsequent inauguration of a regular service on each route will be appropriately recognised. THE AOTEAROA. Following the arrival of the Aotearoa at Auckland, several days will be occupied by the company’s engineers in making a thorough checkover of the machine. The flying boat will then be used for training purposes. After several further survey crossings of the Tasman it is expected that the regular Syduey-Aucklaiid passenger and mail service will bo inaugurated.