THE GREAT FLIGHT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 161, 27 June 1930, Page 6

THE GREAT FLIGHT

A HAZARDOUS JOURNEY KINCSFORD-SMITH'S STORY. WILD WEATHER, BUMPS AND FOG. (Copyright in N.Z. by Australian Press Assn. ; world's copyright by “New York Times.”) Harbour Grace, June 25. Kingsford-Smith’s own story will give greater details on his arrival at New York. He said: “The machine had no difficulty in rising at Port Marnock and right from the start we had radio communication. The weathere until the coast of Newfoundland was reached was bad. We experienced rain and humps, which were unpleasant with the heavily loaded machine. “Rather strong head winds prevailed for 75 per cent, of the flight, but the aeroplane was held on a perfect course, thanks to Saul, who, nevertheless, would have been helpless, on account of the overcast sky prohibiting observations, were it not for the wonderful radio assistance given by Stannage practically throughout the trip. Tins is attributable to receiving radio bearings from ships, which, in all modesty, I claim to be one of the finest radio shows ever nut up for air work. “All went fairly well flntil we reached a point between thirty and thirty-five degrees longitude, when we ran into blind stuff. From this on we scarcely saw the sky or sea. About 3 o’clock g.m.t. we were in a position 350 miles from Cape Race and expected to reach there in four hours. BLIND FLYING. “To our consternation, however, a radio bearing showed that we had only made 120 miles in four hours, which, even for the reduced ground speed, was a ridiculously low figure. We found that owing to inability to maintain a perfect course while Hying bund, the rapidity of changes m variation caused the compass to swing unequally, with the consequence that we evidently were flying a most erratic course. This is borne out by extraordinary differing radio bearings we received from ships. “I would like to stress this, as it seems to be a condition we are likely to meet in this locality in the air No blame is attributable to the instruments. Had this not occurred we probably would have made u point 700 miles nearer New York, as we landed with three and a half to four hours supply of petrol. An hour and a half before Harbour Grace was reached we knew the petrol was running short and were keeping this lor emergencies. “I particularly wish to thank the radio operators at all radios and ships, especially the Transylvania, who were untiring in their efforts to assist us and to whose good offices vie are deeply indebted.” Kingsford-Smith expresses sincere thanks to the “New York Times” foi the offer to send a ’plane, which happily was not necessary, also to everybody who sent congratulatory messages. The trip occupied 31 hours from Dublin to Harbour Grace. “We are now putting 400 gallons ot petrol on board, which will give plenty of radius to reach Roosevelt field tomorrow evening,” said KingsfordSmith, who plans to leave at hve in the morning, local time, and hopes to reach New York at 4 p.m. After a day’s rest the 'plane will continue to Oakland, where the voyage ends. The aviator states he thinks Stannage the best radio man he has had. Kings-ford-Smith received many congratulatory messages from most important personages in Europe, America and Australia. He particularly prizes one from Mr. Henry Ford. / “ONCE IS ENOUGH.” The opinion of the crew is that the steamer “Majestic is good enougli to bring us home. We wished only once to cross the Atlantic in a ’plane.” Kingsford-Smith stated that his ex. perience was that flying in eastern and southern countries was child’s play to crossing the Atlantic. “The Atlantic crossing from east to west is the biggest problem facing flying men to-day, but with the complete organisation which we had it can be accomplished, but only with a multiinotoredl machine with proven engines and modern facilities. Continuing his story, KingsfordSmith said: “Radio advices wisely called our attention to the fact that the ground conditions at Harbour Grace were free of fog and with a limited range it would, in our opinion, have been unwise to have proceeded any further. THE FOG PROBLEM. “The weather practically bore out the forecast, but we did not anticipate meeting a heavy fog so far from our destination. We actually flew blind half the trip and the ocean fqg apparently was unlimited in height, as we were still blind to 5000 feet, but the fog actually on the Banks was considerably lower and frequently there was clear air above 1000 feet. “Throughout the trip we communicated with shipping and in this way had connection with those on shore. This more than bears out my theories as regards two way radio being essential. I would like to pay a great tribute to all the boys, who worked magnificently and untiringly and were each perfect in their particular spheres.” Saul stated: “For boisterous weather, fog. shifting winds,_ cold and difficulties in navigation this trip surpassed all my experiences. It really was quite harrowing, for when we tried to climb above the fog a cloud hank turned day into night. Then the compass went wrong. At times it looked hopeless. We did not know where we were. Wo were chilled to the bone. No one was ever happier than I when we made-a safe landing.” Kingsford-Smith, in a further conversation with reporters and others at Harbour Grace, confined bis rei marks to mention of a “tough night.” A NOTABLE TRIUMPH. i U.S OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS. — I United Press Assortiitmn—Bv Cable— Copyright.) New York, June 26. I Among many officials who con- | gratulated Kingsford Smith were ■ Ambassadors Dawes and Morrow, I , who conversed at great length on the j i flight, Mi Morrow stating that his ; I son-in-law, Colonei Lindbergh, was I 1 considerably worried last night about i the reports of unfavourable weather. I Mr. Morrow said Lindbergh con- I

sidered that this and the Pacific flights were outstanding achievements in aviation. General Dawes telegraphed: "Congratulations on splendid achievement which will become historic, the whole country acclaiming it.” Mr. Morrow wired: “Best wishes and heartiest congratulations upon your splendid achievement." The British Embassy and the Free State legation at Washington are jubilant over the flight. Mr. Stimson sent a message to Mr. Scullin: “Personally and on behalf of the Government I extend to you and Australian Commonwealth heartiest congratulations npon magnificent flight and safe arrival of Kingsford Smith and daring companions. To my mind a fact oi great portent to friendly relations of our two countries and to international air transportation is that Kingsford Smith in this flight not only accomplished the difficult westward,., passage and is about to complete the circumnavigation of the world, ,but has joined tho two countries by air via different routes. AND NOW? Dr. Kimball, in the latest weather report, stated that Kingsford Smith will meet rain and wind en route to New York the first conditions being the same as those the fliers met with yesterday. All south-east Newfoundland is showing dense fog with an overcast sky. The rain is as far west as western Nova Scotia A southwest wind of fifteen miles per hour will meet the 'plane from Halifax to Cape Cow, particularly at 2.000 feet At Nantucket the wind will drop to ten miles per hour from the west, while the remainder of the flight to New York will be through little fog, slight chance of rain and the best winds of the entire flight. NEW YORK WAITING. The “New York Times,” in a leader states: ‘ 'One of the greatest living air pilots, Kingsford Smith, completed the second westward flight across the Atlantic. He and bis companions scored a notable triumph over the elements. Off Cape Race they leaJised what it was to fly blindly and match their wits against conditions that were sinister. New York will be ready to give the men of the Southern Cross a royal welcome when they arrive.” Will Rogers .the famous humourist and comedian, in a daily column in the “New York Times,” states: “That fellow Smith is a real flier. He paid a fine tribute to radio and that gives a good idea of what happened to some of those fellows. We had to admit it, but I guess wo are pretty windy over here.” OTHER TRIBUTES. The “New York Herald-Tribune” in a leader states: “Although the 'plane came down before reaching its objective, the disappointment that fact may inspire in the popular breast is entirely offset L.v the sense of relief that the four gallant fliers were able to get as far as they did. At lesst the. remained tn sufficient command oi their venture to pick an aviation field for a landing place and came down in excellent order. It will be exceedigly. interesting to learn from Kingsford Smith just which factor was responsible for the last hour. It seems quite probable he will have more of value to contribute to science in particulars of this kind than if he had been lucky enough to continue without pause to New York.” Mr. Stimson telegraphed from Washington to Kingsford Smith: “Heartiets congratulations to yourself, Saul, Stannage and Vandyke on your splendid flight and safe arrival.” Senator Bingham, president of the Aeronautical Association, telegraphed: “Your remarkable western flight, across the Atlantic has brought a step nearei the certainty of regular trans-Atlantic air schedules between Europe and America.” BRITISH PRAISE. lUnited Press Association—Bv Cable— Copyright.l London, June 26. The British press speaks with the highest praise of Kingsford Smith’s successful flight, and describes him as among the outstanding aviators of the day. KINGSFORD SMITH’S FLIGHT. (To The Editor.) Sir, —Your statement that Kingsford Smith is “the first to accomplish the east-to-west crossing of the North Atlantic on a heavier than air machine” overlooks the Gennanlrish 'plane Bremen (flying the Imperial German flag), which flew from Ireland to Labrador in April, 1928, though the Southern Cross has the distinction of being the first plane to land at a recognised landingground from an east-to-west North Atlantic flight.—l am, etc-, R. H. F. Havelock North, 27/6/30. (At the moment of writing, the Bremen's flight from Ireland to Labrador on April 12-13, 1928, was overlooked. The aviators were Captain Kohl and Baron von Hunefeld (Germany) and Commandant Fitzmaurice (Irish Free State). —Ed. H.8.T.)