THE FLYING MEN.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11931, 29 October 1919, Page 5

THE FLYING MEN.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-Copyright.

London, Oct. 25.

The Air Ministry has appointed a Commission to inquire into the deaths of airmen which occurred on the England to Egypt air route. Colonel G. L. Henderson, of the Air Force, says that pilots employed on the route urged him to disclose the position. He says that after the armistice til© Air Ministry decided to open world-wide air routes, mak - ing Egypt one of the most important air junctions. Three Handley-Page squadrons were ordered to proceed thither. Barely 30 per cent, reached their destinations. At least 11 pilots were killed. Colonel Henderson says it was no ffault of the men and no inherent defect in the machines, but organisation was practically nonexistent. Conditions beyond Marseilles were simply appalling. Two hundred and fifty miles of sea flight was commercially impracticable. No business concern would attempt to convey machines to Egypt by air. Colonel Henderson saw HandleyPage wreckage between Marseilles and Nice. Losses in machines alone totalled £IIO,OOO. In some cafees pilots were to blame for not replacing perished rubber connections and other defective parts. There was also a lack of expert mechanical assistance en route. It should be ascertained whether any of these machines were included among those notoriously exposed to the weather at Hendon aerodrome.

Received Oct. 29, 9 a.m. . Paris, Oct. 25. Poulet has left Valona for Salonika.