FLIGHT TO FRANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 87, 4 July 1927, Page 1

FLIGHT TO FRANCE

AIRMAN’S GOOD WORK SCIENTIFIC DATA PARIS, Saturday. In a further statement to journalists at Ver-sur-Mer, Commander Byrd said he was gratified that he had been able to save his notes and scientific observations on the requirements of a regular air service between the old and the new w'orlds. These he belived to be unique documents. They describe the air currents, altitudes, and temperatures. The airman said the engines of the monoplane were wonderful until the fuel ran out. He and his companions were not fatigued. They stopped the flight only because they were compelled to do so. Their reception of wireless messages was hindered by the atmosphere, also by the too-zealous people who upset the communications. Commander Byrd said the hardships of his flight over the North Pole were light compared to the anxiety and the mental concentration caused when they were lost and helpless at the most critical stage of the flight. The airman said he believed the protracted nature of the flight made the mileage covered 4,200. The Paris newspapers generally conclude that much remains to be done before the landing of longdistance planes will be safe. “Le Petit Journal” urges that future flights shall be commenced at night in order to avoid darkness and difficulties when the airmen arrive fatigued at their journey’s end. In pouring rain a huge crowd welcomed Commander Byrd and his companions to Paris. They were little the worse for their experience. The airmen subsequently attended at the Elysee, where they were received by the President, M. Doumergue. * \ The monoplane America is being packed at Ver-sur-Mer for conveyance to Le Bourget. It transpires that the jolt to the monoplane America when it landed on the beach at Ver-sur-Mer injured Commander Byrd’s chest, and fractured Mr. Bert Acosta’s collarbone. Both men had to be attended by a surgeon.—A. and N.Z.