ZEPPELIN FROM GERMANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18662, 19 March 1924, Page 9

ZEPPELIN FROM GERMANY.

TRANSATLANTIC JOURNEY. DELIVERY TO AMERICA. A. and N.Z. BERLIN, Mar. 17. Final preparations are progressing at Friedricshafen for a Transatlantic flight in May of a giant Zeppelin, which Germany has to deliver to the United States on account of reparations. The airship is ! 650 yds. long, and is capable of carrying 41 tons. It is equipped with every modern luxury and convenience, including running hot and co'ld water. It is hoped to oomplete the journey in four or five days, which will later be shortened to 2\.

On its flight to the United States the new Zeppelin will be in charge of Dr. Eckener, who was for many years closely associated with Count Zeppelin, and of the pilots Flemming and Lehmarm, who carried out a 100-hour flight with an army airship over the North Sea during the war.

The Americans have Secured the services of the German pilot Heinen to train their airship crews and to assume control at. the commencement of the practice flights over American territory. It was Heinen who piloted the American airship, Shenandoah, to safety during its recent tempestuous voyage, "and he flew every German nival airship during the war. The constructors of the new airship have succeeded in isolating the foremostcabin, so that the pilots and navigators will not be disturbed by the noise of the motors and propellers. In addition the sleeping berths for the crew are arranged above the cabins, so that the men off duty can have complete rest.