AVIATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 30 October 1928, Page 5

AVIATION

AUSTRALIA-ENGLAND FLIGHT DEPARTURE OF SPIRT OF AUSTRALIA

HOP OFF THIS MORNING

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy right

(Received 30th October, 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The aeroplane Spirit of Australia left Richmond aerodrome at 4.40 o'clock this morning on the first stage of its flight to London and back. The weather was dull but fine. Hurley and his companions, Moir and Owen, were farewelled by a small crowd of well-wishers as the 'plane made a good lake off in the grey dawn.

OWEN'S POSITION MELBOURNE, This Day. The Defence authorities explain that the reason for declining leave for Owen is that it cost a great deal of money to train him 4 and his services were valued too highly to permit his hopping off on a private venture which, if successful, would probably result in the Department losing him altogether. The regulations require that an officer must serve four years after gaining a pilot's certificate. Owen had been four years in the service, but had only held a certificate for two. His resignation has not yet been accepted, and he.is therefore still a member of the Air Force. It is an offence for him to be absent without leave, and he could Be arrested and court-martialed for desertion.

ZEPPELIN'S RETURN JOURNEY NEW YORK, 29th October. A message from Lakelmrst, New Jersey, states that the Graf Zeppelin started on the return flight to Germany at 1.54 this morning. It is expected to follow the northern Great Circle course. The complete flight will take fifty hours. There a're sixty persons aboard, including seven passengers, amongst whom is one woman. (Received 30th October, 9.25 a.m.) NEW YORK, 29th October. A message from Chatham, Massachusetts, states that the Zeppelin passed .seaward at 6,35 a.m.

(Received 30th October, 1.25 p.m.) BERLIN, 29th-October.

Friedriehshafen reports, state that the Zeppelin is expected to berth on Tuesday morning.

Reports show good weather conditions and a following wind for the first half. Later, the craft may encounter a westerly gale, clouds and rain.

LANCASTER'S FLIGHT

MONTREAL, 28th October

A message from Atlantic City, New Jersey, states that 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 the air port, where Lancaster stated lie intends to fly to the naval air station at Hampton Roads to-morrow, to repair the motor thoroughly. He will then proceed to Bermuda. HINKLER'S FUTURE (Received 30th October, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, 29th October.

The airman Hinkler, interviewed, stated that his future was undecided. He ridiculed a rumour concerning his engagement by an Australian company flying German machines. "I'm a free lance. Numerous propositions ' have been submitted, but I won't tackle anything unless I am an absolute director, running things my own way. I am not contemplating flying the Atlantic or to Australia. ''

Discussing aviation Hinkler favoured a Britain-Australia service, using twinengined machines carrying ten passengers and taking about a' fortnight, making ten. landings, and mainly flying at night, thus allowing sight-seeing and minimising monotony. He estimated the return fare at between £6OO and £BOO. Such a scheme would link Australian capitals, facilitate trade, and popularise the tourist traffic. He was convinced _that the aeroplane would outclass the airship. CIVIL AVIATION IN BRITAIN 'Times" Cables. LONDOX, 29th October. "The Times" in a leader commends the new scheme for the development of civil aviation.