CIVIL AVIATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 285, 30 October 1928, Page 7

CIVIL AVIATION

ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA. CAPTAIN HINKLER’S VIEWS. ’PLANE WILL OUTCLASS AIRSHIP. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Australian Press Association). Received October 30, 9.25 a.rn. LONDON, Oct. 27. Captain Bert Hinkler, the famous Australian aviator, stated in an interview: that he had not decided yet as to his future activities. He ridiculed a rumour concerning his engagement by an Australian company flying German machines.

“I am a free lance,” stated Captain Hinkler. “Numerous propositions have been submitted, but I won't tackle anything unless I can be absolute director —run things my own way. I am not contemplating flying the Atlantic, or to Australia.” Discussing aviation, Captain Hinkler stated that he was convinced the aeroplane would outclass the airship. Captain Hinkler favoured for a service from England to Australia a twin-engined machine dairying ten passengers, and a period of flying about a fortnight. Captain Hinkler favoured everything that would minimise monotony, and estimated the return fare at between £6OO and £BOO. Such a scheme would link the Australian capitals, facilitate the trade and popularise the tourist traffic .

NEW DEVELOPMENT SCHEME. TIMES’S COMMENDATION. (Times Cables.) Received October 30, 9.25 a.m. LONDON, Oct. 29. The Times in a leading article commends the new scheme for the development of civil aviation. FLIGHT TO BERMUDA. ’PLANE FORCED DOWN. (Australian Press Association). MONTREAL, Oct. 28. A message from Atlantic City, New Jersey, states that Captain Lancaster’s ’plane was forced down in shallow water through engine trouble. It stuck in the mud, necessitating an hour’s work to extricate it, after which it flew to an air port, where Captain Lancaster stated that he intended to fly to the naval air station at Hampton Roads to-morrow to repair the motor thoroughly. He would then proceed to Bermuda. GRAF ZEPPELIN. (Australian Press Association—United Service.) NEW YORK, Oct. 29. A message from Lake Hurst, New Jersey, states that the Graf Zeppelin started on the return flight to Germany at 1.54 o’clock this morning. It is expected that the airship will follow the northern great circle course. The complete flight will take fifty hours. There are 60 persons on board, including seven passengers, amongst, whom iis ono woman. PASSES SEAWARD. (Australian Press Association—United Service). Received October 30, 9.25 a.m. NEW YORK, Oct. 29. A message from Chatham, Massachusetts, states that the Zeppelin passed seaward at 6.35 a.m. REMARKABLE FLIGHT. (Australian P%;ss Association.) LONDON, Oct. 28. A remarkable flight was accomplished in a light ’plane. A pilot and a passenger flew from London to Berlin and back in under six hours each way. The fuel ' cost less than £3 return per head.