TRANS-TASMAN FLIGHT

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 February 1940, Page 9

TRANS-TASMAN FLIGHT

A FAST PASSAGE.

[PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, February 11.

Taking slightly more than eight hours, its second fastest crossing, the Tasman Empire Airways flying-boat Aotearoa returned to Auckland from Sydney on Saturday, landing about 2.15 p.m. Strong head winds which marred its trip to Australia with Lord Willingdon’s party on Thursday assisted the Aotearoa on its return journey, which was accomplished at an average speed of about 170 miles an hour. The flying boat left Sydney at 4.10 a.m. (Sydney time) and made the most of the crossing at a height of about 10,000 feet. Conditions were perfect through the journey, the strong south-westerly tall winds increasing the speed. A few showers of rain! were encountered as the machine approached the New Zealand coast and the landfall was made about 15 miles south of the Kaipara heads. The Aotearoa was piloted by Captain J. W. Burgess, who was accompanied by a crew of seven.

CLIPPER SERVICE TO N.Z.

NEW YORK, February 10

The Washington correspondent of the United Press states: It is believed that, the Civil Aeronautics Authority will report favourably, within 21 days, on a recommendation for a Pan-Ameri-can Airways service to New Zealan.d.

ITALIAN LINER CRASHES,

NAPLES, February 11.

An Italian air linex - crashed and caught fire in the Calabrian Hills. Foux- members of the crew and sjx passengers were killed.