FASTEST IN WORLD.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10737, 7 November 1928, Page 2

FASTEST IN WORLD.

gkeig’s sensational flight. BREATHLESS SPECTATORS ' THRILLED. DR IVER QUITE EXPERT C R BED. ißritlsn OSioial Wireless.; RUGBY, Nov. 5. On Saturday’s trial flight,’ Lieut. Darcy Greig was dissatisfied /with the propeller, which was not gripping the air sufficiently to absorb the power generated by his engine, which thus caused fumes in the cockpit.- He believes that the fresh propeller fitted for the official attempt was also inadequate, and experts are considering whether some slight alteration in the angle of the blades would give extra 'efficiency. A further attempt on the record remains lor the time being under consideration by the Air Council. Experts are enthusiastic about Lieut. Greig’s wonderfu] handling of the machine. Before the attempt lie announced his intention of covering tho course six times to permit of the selection of four runs for averaging purposes. This he did, swooping after each run into a wide circle. The machine shot through the air with a shrill, high-pitched note, and the spectators held their breath at the terrific strain which such speed involves for man and machine. Lieut. Greig’s judgment in diving on to the course was superb. On landing he seemed perfectly unnerturbed by his ordeal. Once while diving bis goggles were sooted, and he had to take his hand off the throttle to wipe them. He was too occupied to examine the speed indicator and simply judged his rate o. the feel of his machine. Lieut. Greig is 28 years old, and has a distinguished war record. When 18 years old his machine was shot down behind the German lines. He managed, after walking 13 miles, to dodge through the German lines and rejoin the British forces. Last iear he avoided disaster by jum from an aeroplane and descending safelv witli a parachute. He succeeded this year to the command of the Air Force high speed flight. When he heard from the referees that iiis flight yesterday, while establishing a fresh unofficial speed record, had not done so officially, he accepted the news with fortitude, and said with a broad smile: “Never mind. 1 hope to have another whack at it.” i Hundreds of congratulatory telegrams to-day reached Lieut. Greig. lie is to take a few days' leave, and if he receives permission from the Air Council for another attempt oil (lie record it will not be made for another fortnight. _