TASMAN FLIGHT

Grey River Argus, 12 February 1940, Page 8

TASMAN FLIGHT

AOTEAROA RETURNS IN EIGHT HOURS. AUCKLAND, February 11. Taking slightly over eight hours, which represented its second fastest crossing of the Tasman, the Empire Airways flying boat, Aotearoa, returned to Auckland from Sydney on Saturday, landing at about 2.15 p.m. The 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 Aotearoa left Sydney at 4.10 a.m. Sydney time, and made most of the crossing at a height of about 10,000 feet. Conditions were perfect throughout, strong south-westerly tail winds increasing the flying boat’s speed. A few showers of rain were experienced as the machine approached the New Zealand coast, and the landfall was made about 15 miles south of Kaipara Heads. The Aotearoa was piloted by Captain J. W. Burgess, who was accompanied by a crew of seven. CLIPPER SERVICE TO N.Z. (Received February 11, 7.0 p.m.). NEW YORK, February 10. The Washington correspondent of the United Press states: It is believed that the Civil Aeronautics Authority will report favourably, with 21 days, on a recommendation for a PanAmerican Airways service to New Zealand to commence as Fabled on February 7. I