FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1180, 1 December 1924, Page 10

FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA.

U.S. NAVY SCHEME. ACROSS THE PACIFIC. WASHINGTON, Nov. 17. Aviation and naval experts have begun to study ways and means for the projected trans-Pacific flight to Australia. They announce it is tentatively planned to start the flight from Pensacola, Florida. From there the route will he by way oi San Diego (California), 20U0 miles to Honolulu, across to the Philippines and then to Australia. ' Experts say that the flight would possibly follow tho commercial steamship routes in order to have assistance near if necessary. A special craft, designed to assist the aircraft, would be sent to patrol the route. The flight was suggested by .Mr David Steed, an Australian, and the army has offered the navy assistance. The plan was first put forward at the Pan-Pacific Union meeting at Honolulu. Since then the American navy has studied the project. The flight is being planned under the direction of the Naval Bureau of Aeronautics. It is believed it may bo attempted at the same time as the naval cruise to Australia next year, thereby solving the problem of the patrol of sea routes. , It is pointed out that the long stage from San Diego to Honolulu would be a real test, and must be successful if the entire flight is possible. The return from Australia would be via Fiji and Samoa.