AVIATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 27

AVIATION

PARIS, July 20. In the Aerial Grand Prix, at the Tuilleries, the competitors were about to start, when a gust swept a balloon against a tree, and the occupants of the basket fell 50ft on to a passing cart. One, named Duval, had his skull severely injured, and M. Blanchet, a former winner of the Gordon Bennett Cup, was seriously hurt. BERLIN, July 19. The experiences of the German aviator Oelerich at an altitude of 26,250 ft at Leipzig suggest' that any airman wishing to rise higher must be dressed in a different suit and helmet to protect him against the reduced pressure of the atmosphere. He will also have to carry his own supply of air for breathing. Oelerich found that regular breathing was impossible at 14,800 ft, and he was forced to resort to his oxygen apparatus. At over 23,000 ft he experienced a feeling of illness, and was threatened with a fainting fit. In consequence of the popularity of aviation, the Air Pilots’ Association warns young men against entering the profession. Germany is already overstocked with callable fivers. MELBOURNE, July 16. M. Guillaux started on his overland flight carrying the first aerial mail to Sydney, this morning. SYDNEY, July 18. M. Guillaux received an ovation on landing in the sports ground yesterday, completing his flight from Melbourne to Sydney. He delivered an aerial mail, including a letter from the Victorian Governor to the Governor-General. July 20. Guillaux’s flying time for the 582 miles was a little over nine hours, giving an average speed of 64 miles an hour. He made seven intermediate stops. A succession of storms, with heavy rain and intense cold, and the difficulty of piloting his machine over - unknown country, proved serious setbacks to Guillaux’s progress. At various points he rose to great altitudes—up to 15,0G0ft —to try and escape the storms, which were almost numbing in their effect on him, and he had to steer by compass. The journey between Harden and Sydney was perilous. The wind was so strong and the rain beat so fiercely that sometimes .the aeroplane nearly capsized.