FLIGHTS TO AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20490, 15 February 1930, Page 11

FLIGHTS TO AUSTRALIA.

-V :■ . . , AUCKLAND AIRMAN.

MOTH MACHINE SECURED*

PROBABLE START SHORTLY,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright, LONDON, Feb. 13. Mr. Charles Purnel Parkerson, of Auckland, flew from Lympne to Brooklands, where he is having extra petrol tanks installed' in his all-metal Gypsy Moth machine. In this he intends to attempt to fly to Australia. The aeroplane will have a flying range of 15-20 hours and a cruising speed of 90-100 mijes.

Mr. Parkerson proposed to leave England on February 23. He has had his machine painted silver and saxe blue and intends to christen it Silver Heels. Mr.: Parkerson qualified for his pilot's A licence recently at Lympne.

Mr. C. P. Parkerson, who is married and whose age is about 50, has for many years been keenly interested in aviation, although, before he left New Zealand ia March, 1929, he had never piloted an aeroplane. He was educated at Ashburtoa and Temuka, South Canterbury. He entered the photographic business, working in the South Island, Rotorua and finally in Auckland. Some years ago he joined the staff of Booth, Mac Donald, Limited, as a traveller and later was manager of the firm's Hamilton branch for two years.: Mr. Parkerson left to take up a position with a flax company in Auckland, and it was on that company's business that he went to England last year. While in England Mr. Parkerson has had opportunity of widening his interest in aviation by practical experience. He obtained his flying certificate at the Cinque Ports Flying Club, Hythe, obtaining a 100 per cent, report from the Air Ministry's observer and instructor. This was considered particularly good, as Mr. Parkerson took his tests in cloudy weather. He had to climb to 8000 ft. and at 5500 ft. he encountered cloudbanks which persisted for 1000 ft. In. landing he stopped within a few yards of the set. mark, whereas 150 yds. is allowed for tho test. ■

Mr. Parkerson married Miss Robinson, a member of a family well-known in the Ohinemuri district. Mrs. Parkerson is at present staying with relatives at Hikutaia. „ A brother of the airman, Mr. R. L. Parkerson, resides in Auckland.

PIPER AND KAY.

FURTHER PROGRESS MADE.

MALTA-TRIPOLI STAGE.

LONDON. Feb. !S.

Flying-Officers Piper and Kay, the New Zealanders who avo attempting to fly, from England to Australia, have left Malta for Tobruk, Tripoli, 236 miles east of Benghasi. |

From Tobruk Messrs. Piper and Kay have made plans to proceed to Benghasi, thence via Mersa Matruh to Bagdad, and on to Bushire, Karachi, Allahabad. Calcutta, Akyab, Rangoon, Victoria Point, Kuala Lumpur. Singapore, Batavia, Sourabava and Darwin. Their fuel supplies are in the hands of the Shell Company.