ATLANTIC FLIGHT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23558, 22 July 1938, Page 9

ATLANTIC FLIGHT

THE PICK-A-BACK PLANE DEPARTURE FROM FOYNES UNITS SEPARATE AT SEA , (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, July 20 Carrying a royal visit cargo, the pick-a-back plane Mercury took off from Foynes at 8 p.m. and the units successfully separated at sea. This was the first of 15 Atlantic experimental round flights planned by Imperial Airways for a flying boat and an Albatross land plane, after which there will be regular services PROGRESS REPORTS RECEIVED NEW YORK, July 21. (Received July 21, at 10 p.m.) Progress reports concerning the Mercury were received as follows; At 10.30 p.m. yesterday the transCanada Airline offices at Montreal reported the ship 1375 miles from Foynes. At 11.55 p.m., according to the Montreal correspondent of the New York Times,, the ship reported that it was 800 miles from Botwood, flying at an altitude of 5000 feet in heavy rain and thick fog. SIGHTED OVER NEWFOUNDLAND MONTREAL, July 21. (Received July 22, at 0.30 a.m.) The Mercury passed over Cape Bauld (Northern Newfoundland) at 4.28 a.m. at an approximate speed of 144 miles per hour. It is expected that the machine will reach Montreal at 10.30 am. The crossing was completed in 13 hours 29 minutes, averaging 150 miles an hour. The Mercury is now proceeding to Montreal. This is the shortest eastward crossing thus far.