AVIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3494, 22 February 1921, Page 36

AVIATION.

LONDON, February 14. A practical and significant contribution to the big ships controversy is the American Naval Department's decision to construct two huge air cruisers with nine engines of 3600 horse-power. The span of tlie wings will be 140 ft, and the machine will be capable of lifting 30 tons and Hying 2100 miles without descending. February 15. The Times, in a leading article,, emphasises the urgent need of an air policy, and deplores the stagnation in civil a\ iatiori, which it contrasts with the activity of other nations. It stresses the dominions’ need of aerial transport for defence and internal communication. The Empire, the paper states, needs development more urgently than any other Power. A warning note is sounded respecting Germany’s feverish activity. She is spinning a network of jiostal routes. Pilots are being trained to drop bags accurately. Such dexterity is invaluable to a quick postal service. The situation requires most careful watching. The paper adds that aviation should be encouraged by practical research. Since the opening of civil aviation in May, 1919, British aircraft have flown 1,556,000 miles and have carried 106,712 passengers. There have been 48 accidents of which 20 involved personal injury. The number of passengers killed was .10 per 1000 carried, and 33,100 miles were flown per accident.