AIR SURVEY OF AFRICA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19963, 4 June 1928, Page 8

AIR SURVEY OF AFRICA.

Completing his vast project of making an air survey of Africa, Sir Alan Cobham has added yet another to his valuable achievements in the domain of serviceable aviation. This journey has been remarkable in many ways. Approximately 20,000 miles in extent, it takes rank among the longest ever undertaken. Along some stretches, especially those from the Cape up the coast to Morocco, it has been of great exploratory value. There has been no journey its equal for thorough organisation with a view to the future establishment of regular air-lines. As is emphasised in to-day's news, it has furnished important scientific data concerning engine-behaviour in different climates. Lady Cobham's participation in the great feat makes it particularly interesting as an example of protracted flight. All things considered, this achievement should mean more for Africa than anything yet accomplished in the way of travel. The various administrations scattered throughout the continent have been out of touch with each other by reason of the lack of roads and even of frequented sea routes. Now, on the basis of Sir Alan Cobham's observations and experiences, there should be possible a complete scheme for linking them. What he says about the ease with which landing grounds can be provided makes this development one capable of immediate undertaking. Sir Alan's methods are essentially those of the practical pioneer, and because they have very little of the spectacular in them their skill and courage are apt to be overlooked. But it should be remembered that he regarded this flight as the most important venture he has ever made a.nd that its essaying of new paths entailed many real risks. Accordingly, his safe return is cause for thankfulness, while the wealth of data he has brought is a distinct enrichment, of the material available for the future perfecting of civil aviation everywhere. Whatever may be achieved by himself or others, his feat will stand among the most profitable to date.