CENTENARY AIR RACES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 94, 4 April 1934, Page 8

CENTENARY AIR RACES

England to Melbourne GENERAL CONDITIONi The Melbourne Centenary Celebrations Committee has fixed October 20, 1934, as the commencing date for the Macßobertson nternational Air and Handicap Kaces. Both races are to be run concurrently and will start, at a given signal, from several aerodromes in England as near as possible equal distance from Bagdad. Both of the races are to be open to any individual, organisation or nation, there being no limitations as to type er power of aircraft. The following prize money will be paid in Australian currency:— Speed Race—First prize £lO,OOO and gold cup valued at not less than £5OO, second prize £l5OO, third prize £5OO. Handicap Race—First prize £2OOO, second prize £lOOO. The pilot of any aircraft entered in either or both of the above races which completes the course within 16 calendar days will receive a gold medallion. While there is no limit to the numbers of crew each aircraft may carry, it is a general condition that sufficient food and water must bo provided to maintain life for the pilot and each member of crew for no less a period than three days. Lifebelts and smoke signals must also be part of the general equipment. Apart from bearing a certificate of air worthiness from its country of registration, each aircraft will be required to carry the following instruments:—Compass, turn and bank indicator, drift indicator, pitch indicator, altimeter, maps, charts, aerodrome plans and location. Each pilot will have to satisfy the United Kingdom representative that he has had suffi.’ient practice in the use of the above instruments and also give nroof that ho hq had at least 100 hours solo flying. It will be his responsibility to report seven clear days before commencement of races with his aircraft completely erected and bearing certificate of airworthiness. All engines and airframes will be officially scaled 24 hours before start of race and these seals must remain intact during fire race. While refuelling in the air is to bo permitted, night flying will only be allowed provided night flying equipment is carried. Although as yet tho route of the race cannot be published until permission is obtained from the various countries concerned, the conditions stipulate that the pilot and each member of his crew must obtain a passport of each country visited or flown over. All competitors in the speed race will be required to land and check in at the following aerodromes:—Bagdad, Calcutta, Singapore, Darwin and Charleville. The course of the handicap race will be identical with the course of the speed race and will be decided on the fastest handicap time. Authorised checking points will be established at ujtervals of roughly 500 miles. All nominators will be notified accordl b'ffiyA line drawn immediately east and I nest through the centre of the FlemI ington Racecourse, Melbourne, will ' murk the finishing line of both races. Unless speclfiealh instructed no airI craft will be permitted to land on the : racecourse, but will proceed to such I aerodrome as is allocated.