Woman's Round World Flight

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 62, 15 March 1937, Page 7

Woman's Round World Flight

Amelia Earhart May Leave To-day PREPARATIONS TOR CROSSING PACIFIC United Presn Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Sunday, 9.30 p.m. OAKLAND (Cali.) March 13. The mid-Pacific Island Government •hips made hurried preparations after Mrs. Amelia Earhart Putnam, America’s most famous airwoman, announced that she would start on a world flight at five o’clock on Sunday evening or on Monday, weather permitting. The forecast states that the outlook is uncertain, a depression area persisting over the 2400-mile stretah to Hono lulu which might develop into a storm. The coastguard cutter Shoshone is en route for Howland Island, Mrs. Earhart's second stop, and the minesweeper 'Whippoorwill is en route for a position between Honolulu and Howland, while the navy tug Ontario is en route for a spot between Howland and Lae, New Guinea. These three have been ordered to stand watch along tihe route. The Government has been informed that the runway has been completed at Howland Island, eliminating a potential cause o* delay. Mrs. Earhart decided to take a sup ply of slacks, blouses and boots but no dresses. tihe said when she flew the Atlantic all she took was a toothbrush but she realises now that a change ot clothing is essential. Mr. Manning praised Mrs. Earhart’a aviation accomplishments and said she would have no real need for a navigator after the Pacific crossing. p.r.T.TT’.y PILOTS AND NAVIGATORS. Received Sunday, midnight. OAKLAND, March 13. Changes are announced in Mrs Eartart ’s plans. She will start from Millsield, San Francisco, due to the wetness it Oakland. The personnel has been increased to include Mr Paul Mautz as her technical adviser as far as Honolulu and Mr Fred Noonan, former Pan-Ame-rican navigation instructor, as far as Howland Island. Both will act as relief pilots and navigators in order to conserve her own and Mr Manning's energy in the last phases of the flight. Fuel consumption tests revealed that only 900 gallons of petrol instead of 1150 were necessary, hence a weightsaving of 1500 pounds without losing the forty per cent, safety factor. Thus the 'plane will be able to take the extra crew. MUSSOLINI'S SON ENTERS NEW YORK-PARIS AIR RACE. Received Sunday, 7.30 p.m. ROME, March 13. Bruno Mussolini, second son of the Dietator, has entered for the New YorkParis air race in August.