IRISHMAN OUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21937, 22 October 1934, Page 9

IRISHMAN OUT

LOAD TOO HEAVY LAST-MINUTE HITCH A VIGOROUS PROTEST SOLO FLIGHT INTENDED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyricht (Received October 21. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20 \ A sensational development took place j late last> evening when the air race j committee announced its refusal to allow Colonel J. C. Fitzmaurice's Bcllanca monoplane Irish Swoop to compete with its full " all-up " "weight, namely, 80001b. The machine would be permitted to fly with only 54001b. The committee objected to Colonel Fitzmaurice carrying a full load on the American Government's certificate of ; airworthiness, which was granted for a j load of 54001b. full weight. ColonelJ Fitzmaurice was also granted an j American restricted certificate for j 80001b. for a full pay-load. The committee previously . had discussed the position in secret for two j hours, after which it cabled to. the j American Government asking whether j it was prepared to authorise the aero- | plane to be flown at a higher limit. The American Government replied that it could not issue such a certificate. Withdrawal Irom the Event The committee explained that it must abide by the regulations, which require competitors to produce a certificate of airworthiness for a full load. Colonel Fitzmaurice protested against the decision of the stewards. He and his co-pilot, Sergeant E. M. Bonar, and members of the Irish Hospitals Trust later discussed the position at length. Colonel Fitzmaurice pointed out that if they had to cut down their petrol to meet the embargo this would reduce the range of the machine from 3300 miles to 1500 at the most, completely upsetting their arrangements to make Bagdad non-stop. The stewards lr.ter dismissed Colonel | Fitzmaurice's appeal, and the airman | thereupon announced his withdrawal ; from the race. It was strongly rumoured I that Colonel Fitzmaurice might fly to Australia with a full load to demonstrate what the aeroplane can do. Rules tor Competitors' Salety Even American critics admit that Colonel Fitzmaurice had no reason to | expect to be allowed to race under a special certificate of airworthiness, whereas other competitors of all nationalities had their loads drastically reduced. An unprecedented sensation was created in the press tent when, as an Air Ministry official was reading a statement setting out the Aero Club s position, Mr. O'Sheehan, well-known Irish sweepstake announcer, burst in dramatically, held up his hand for silence, and shouted: "I regret to have to state that owing to the restrictions which the committee has imposed, the Irish Swoop is obliged to withdraw." After the withdrawal it was stated on behalf of the committee that no discrimination had been exercised against Colonel Fitzmaurice. The rules of the race were designed to ensure the safety of the competitors, and must be upheld. Intention to Fly in Any Case According to the Daily Herald Colonel Fitzmaurice said: "I shall race on my own. I will unofficially show the : other competitors the way to Australia. I refuse to have my chances killed by a ridiculous last-minute ruling." The fuelling of the machines was begun shortly after midnight. Colonel Fitzmaurice flew to Croydon to-day in an endeavour to obtain an American Embassy observer as witness to a full load landing test. Later he decided to flv to Dublin for a landing test and a certificate. He hopes to leave for Melbourne by next Wednesday at the latest. STODARTS EXPERIENCE "A TERRIBLE TIME" (Received October 21, R.o p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20 Mr. R. Parer also was forced down at Boulogne at 11.40 a.m. with engine trouble. Owing to radiator leakage Mr Parer's engine became overheated and he landed, filled it up with water and continued to Abbeville. There he dismantled tho radiator and took it to a i factory for repairs. He hoped to leave 1 again at dawn on i Mr. J. H. Wright (Lnited States) | arrived at Marseilles, where he was i delaved by engine trouble. ! Messrs. D. L. Astes and G. J. Gcy- ' sendorfer landed at Leipzig, stayed 10 i minutes and then flew on. Messrs. D. E. and K. G. Stodart had a cockpit window broken. They said they had had very rough weather and had a terrible time. Nevertheless they continued to Rome without repairs. Flving-Officer H. D. Gilnian was delayed by earburetter trouble and had j to dismantle his engine.