AVIATION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 201, 8 August 1928, Page 5

AVIATION

GIANT GERMAN ’PLANE SUCCESSFUL TRIAL FLIGHT. PROPOSED TRANS-ATLANTIC SERVICE. [United Press Association—By Cable— Copyrignt.] [Australian and N.Z. Press Assu.l (Received 8, 11.55 a.m.) Berlin, Aug. 7. A successful trial flight has been carried out of a 25-ton flying boat which is reputed to be the world’s largest. It manoeuvred for 15 minutes at a height of 600 feet. Two others are being constructed. They are intended for a proposed southern trans-Atlantic passenger service.

A recent cable stated: Captain Koehl, hero of the first direct westward aeroplane flight across the At. lantic, is to take charge of the German Atlantic Seaplane Service, the plans for which are being officially prepared, according to the “Berliner Tageblatt.” The newspaper states that the great German airways company, Lufthansa, is making preparations for the co-operation of the Ministry of Transport for the service. Giant Dormer seaplanes of 5000 horsepower, capable of keeping afloat in mid-ocean, even in rough weather, will be used. “Tageblatt” adds that Captain Koehl by deciding to take control of the service has ended the bitter quarrel between himself and the Lufthansa Company. Captain Koehl had been employed by the Lufthansa Company, and after his start on his ocean flight it was reported that his connection with the company had ended, because he had undertaken the Atlantic attempt against orders.

COURTNEY’S THRILLING ESCAPE.

NOSE-DIVING IN BLAZING ’PLANE. [Australian and N.Z. Press Assn.) New York, Aug. 1. Captain Courtney and his crew arrived on the steamer Minnewaska and were accorded the usual New York welcome. Courtney’s narration of the story shows the mishap to be one of the most hair-raising adventures of the air. Courtney said: “I didn’t have much feeling when it happened. It seemed so absolutely unreal. The engines were functioning better than ever before. We were flying at 1500 feet when I saw a faint red glow on the windscreen. I looked back and saw the whole of the rear engine blazing in a terrific sheet of flame. I nosed the ’plane into a headlong dive and plunged toward the water. 1 looked down and saw a faint glow of fire in the water, wherewith I managed to land automatically. When I pulled up I expected to find that the controls had parted. The tail was burning away. The flames went out when we landed while we stood on the hull.” Wireless advice has been received that the steamer Valprato, bound from Nova Scotia, has picked up Captain Courtney's wrecked ’plane. KRASSJN’S STORY. WAS THERE A THIRD MAN? I Australian and N.Z. Press Assn.l Tromsoe, Aug. 6. _ The icebreaker Krassin has arrived. The Norwegian scientist, Dr. Adolf Hoel, who was aboard throughout the Italia rescues, questioned regarding the finding of Zappi and Mariano, said he felt sure there were only two men on the ice. The third figure was really a pair of trousers, which were found when Zappi and Mariano were taken aboard. Chuknovsky’s film, which will settle the matter once and for all, is still aboard the Krassin. TRANS-AUSTRALIAN FLIGHT. [Australian and N Z. Press Assn.) Sydney, Aug. 7. Captain Wilson, who left Perth last Thursday, reached the Mascot aerodrome. Sydney, to-day. His total actual flying time was 20 hours 45 minutes Two business men came to Broken Hill as passengers, one completing the journey. Captain Wilson forsees an early regular service from Sydney to Perth, occupying a day and a-half. POLISH FLIERS TO TRY AGAIN. [Australian and N.Z. Press Assn.) Llnbon, Aug. 6. The Polish aviators are going to Paris. Their aeroplane is packed for transit. Both declare that they would have been in New York in another few hours had not the mishap occurred. They will -repeat the attempt at a favourable opportunity. GENERAL NOBILE. RECEIVES PAPAL AWARD. (Australian and N.Z Press Assn.l Roma, Aug. 6. The Pope has given an audience to the priest who accompanied General Nobile. He expressed gratification at the manner in which the cross was dropped at the North Pole,_ and handed a gold medal to be delivered to General Nobile in recognition of his services to the church and science.

MARLBOROUGH AERO CLUB. REQUEST FOR AID TO PURCHASE MOTHS. [Per Press Association.! Wellington, August 8. A request for Government assistance to purchase aeoroplanes for the Marlborough Aero Club was made to the Defence Minister this morning by a deputation representing the club. Mr W. J. Girling. M.P.. stressed the suitability of Marlborough as a centre for the defence of Cook Strait. The Minister said that in view of the fact that Marlborough was on the list of clubs the department intended to supply with machines next year, he would recommend that Cabinet adopt the proposal that funds he advanced so that two Moths could be ordered ah once. Tn the meantime, the Director of Air Forces would endeavour to secure an old 'plane for instructional purposes.