AVIATION

Grey River Argus, 3 January 1935, Page 7

AVIATION

(Aus & N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, January 1. A race round the world, practically unrestricted, for aircraft ‘is planned in 1938, by Anglo-American sporting interests, which at present are surveying possible routes. The most favoured course appears across the Atlantic to Britain, Indo-Australia, Far East, and Alaska, but the Suva-Honolulu route is al.-o receiving attention. Air Vice Marshal Newall has been appointed an additional member of the Air Council, and will be responsible for the administration of directorates of organisation, equipment and works and buildings, lie was appointed Air Officer commanding the KA.I. in rhe middle of the year 1931. The Royal Air Force squadron, achieved a remarkable new Hying record in the 12 months just ended. Service aeroplanes flow a total dis tance of at lea.'-r 47.000,900 miles, a greater mileage than in any pre\ ioi.s year since the war. Despite 'hi s distance record, serious accidents were considerably fewer than in p-evious year, and actually less than m 1921, when the Royal Air Force was about one-third of its presen|t size, and flew little more than one-tenth of the distance covered last year. The new r*■ cord is all the more striking in view of the increased Hying last year in air exercises and manoeuvres conducted as far as possible under active service condition.-', and often at night. Moreover the R.A.F. performs patrol and policing duties over 1,000.000 square miles of terr lory, an : flies daily r.hree continents much of the time in bad weather, and over perilous country, where engine failure must involve serious consequences.