READY TO START

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10478, 7 January 1928, Page 9

READY TO START

PREPARATIONS FOR TASMAN FLIGHT COMPLETE .<

A AVIATORS TO WAIT FAVORABLE AVFATHER

WILL HEAD FOR AVELLING TON OR GREiYMOUTH

NOT A STUNT BUT NATIONAL OBJECTIVE

(United Presr Assn.-HCooyrigbt. )■' (Deceived Jan. 6, 8.20 p.m.) Jan. 6.

The New Zealand aviators have completed all preparations for the flight from Australia to 'the Dominion, and pidy await favorable wear ther conditions to, make a start. They realise the element of risk in crossing 1450 miles over the Tasman sea in a pioneer flight, even under most, auspicious circumstances, . and are determined nob to trike any foolhardy risks. They are hopeful of getting away early on Sunday morning, but will only start then if the weather is perfect for flying. They are leaving early in the morning so as to utilise the maximum amount- of daylight. “ It is not yet decided whether Knight or Hood will accompany Moncrieff. The two pilots will take turns at tho joystick, and for two-hour spells each will have control of the plane, while the other rests. _ ’ ; Whether the machine makes direct for Wellington will not be decided till half-way across the Tasman, when bearings will he taken, and a course sot for either Wellington or GTeymouth, the proposed alternative landing places. The- machine lias, been put through every possible test, and the filers are confident it will prove equal to what it is required to do, Captain Knight interviewed by a Press Association representative, strongly stressed* the point, .that he wished the public both in New Zealand and Australia, to -understand that there is nothing whatever in the way of a stunt, or gaining personal kudos. The flight was at much personal inconvenience and financial risk, the project having received very small support. The journey was icing undertaken with a wider national objective, of; creating a deeper interest in the pressing questiqn of the value defence in the Pacific zone, and drawing into closer relationship the peoples of New Zealand and, Australia in their commercial and other interests thereby welding stronger links in the great Emnire unity ideal.—U.P.Ar. *

MORE ABOUT MACHINE

LIKE LINDBERGH’S. BUT TWOSEATER. - LANDING MAY BE IN NORTH. MELBOURNE. Bee, 24. Using a Ryan monoplane similar to that in which Captain Lindbergh made bis trans-Atlantic flight, Lieut .uonci ieff (pilot) and Captain Knight, of the New Zealand Territorial An Force, intend to lly from Sydney to New Zealand, a distance of about 1,200 miles.' The two’ airmen are accompanied by Captain Hood, of the New Zealand Territorial Air Force. . The two-seater machine which will be used on the proposed flight arrived in Melbourne from the United States in the steadier Crosskeys. Colonel Lindbergh’s machine was a single-seater monoplane of the same, kind. The machines are equipped with Wright-VVliiri wind eugines. Without extra tanks the machine in whi,:h the flight to New Zealand will be made will carry about 300 gallons of petrol, which would enable it Lo be flown 1,600 to 1.700 miles under average conditions. ;lt is probable that they will, on the day oi the attempt to lly to New Zealand, flv''from Richmond to Mascot aerodrome, near Sydney, and having filled their tanks, take oil from Mascot for New. Zealand. Although the airmen intend to land at Wellington, their choice of a landingplace will depend largely upon the meteorological conditions. It may 'oe necessary, to land in the north of the North Island. . . .... On the flight Plume motor spirit and Gargoyle oil will be used. In September Mr. Bruce announced that the Ministry had decided upon new regulations prohibiting aircraft other than seagoing aircraft- lYqm flying over the sea lor a greater distance Than 50 miles. Tie added,-how-ever. that the Ministry would give assistance to any airman who was preparing te attempt a flight from Australia to New Zealand in a- suitable and efficient sea-going .machine.