GREAT AIR RACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21906, 15 September 1934, Page 13

GREAT AIR RACE

AMERICAN WITHDRAWS AEROPLANE DAMAGED STRATOSPHERE FLIGHT EFFECT 'ON SUPER-CHARGER By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received September 14, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. Sept. 13 In an interview at Oklahoma City today Mr. Wiley Post stated that the super-charger in his aeroplane AVinnie Mae had been so badly damaged in his recent stratosphere test flight that he had been forced to abandon his plans to compete in the Centenary air race. The airman had estimated that by special engine appliances and an elaborate flving suit for use in the upper air. and by ascending to a height of 40.000 feet, he could have flown the distance from London to Melbourne in two days. Mr. Post said the special supercharger would have to be completely rebuilt and this would take a month or six weeks, for he did not want to rush matters. It would be. impossible to put in replacements and fix up the aeroplane in time for the race, much as he would like to be in it. The stratosphere climb had not j caused any other damage to the: machine or to the motor. The flier said lie was convinced that he could establish a new heavier-than-air altitude record at the next attempt, which he would make as soon as he has rested ; and had the repairs carried out. Mr. Post expects to leave in a few j days to join friends for a month's biggame hunting in Alaska. STARTING POINT CONTROLLING OFFICER APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED LONDON. Sept. 13 The Royal Aero Club has appointed Mr. J. J. Jeffs, Control Tower Officer at Croydon, as the controlling officer at Mildenhall aerodrome, the starting | point of the Centenary air race.