PACIFIC AIR RACE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 221, 16 August 1927, Page 7

PACIFIC AIR RACE

PRELIMINARY MISFORTUNES*.

PROTEST AGAINST INSPECTION,

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TAKEN.

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received August 16, 10.50 a.m. SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 15.

The series of misfortunes attending the air ra*:e to Honolulu for the Dole prize—which so far has resulted in three deaths, three ’planes being wrecked and the postponement of the race—continues.

The latest development is a vigorous protest by pilots against the methods of inspection by the Federal officials. The pilots claim that the inspectors were too rigorous in their demands regarding the conditions of the ’planes and the ability of the pilots and navigators. A protest against such requirements has been despatched to Mr H. C. Hoover, Secretary of Commerce. In tne meantime, Major Clarence Young, Director of Aeronautics under the Department of Commerce, who defined the standards of qualification, has returned to Washington, but departmental officials deny that the protest is connected with his departure. The death of Captain Rogers has cast a shadow over the entrants’ final preparations. Although the race is scheduled to commence to-morrow, Aviator Giles (who was to have left for San Francisco days ago) is still in Detroit. He declared that he was leaving to-niglit. In the meantime, the navy has taken special precautions for the safety of the nine entrants, who have now passed _ the machine inspection and the navigation tests. Seven destroyers have been despatched to cover various points along the great circle route. The aircraft carrier Langley, and the aircraft tender Arostook, have also been ordered to be in readiness for relief work at their Pacific Coast stations.

Other ships and aircraft may be sent from Hawaii after the flight starts.'

The following destroyers have been ordered to be at the places named by noon to-morrow: Hazelwood, 100 miles out from Sap. Francisco; the lightship Myers, 250 miles out; the Sumner, 400 miles out. These ships have been directed to try and keep in touch with the aviators by radio.

Admiral Jackson, the battle fleet commander, who saded from Honolulu for Seattle on Saturday on the destroyer McDonough, with three other destroyers of the sixth destroyer squadron as an escort, has also been directed to keep a watch for the airmen. These four ships will be about at a half-way point on the 2400 miles journey by to-morrow.—A. and N.Z. cable.

It is generally believed that the recent deaths of Lieutenants Covell and Waggoner, tho navy fliers, who drew number 13 position in the race, inspired the plea for postponement. Both men were incinerated when the ’piano crashed.