BOLD AIR VENTURE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 103, 22 July 1927, Page 1

BOLD AIR VENTURE

FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA PROGRESS OF DENIS ROOK By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright DELHI, Wednesday. Mr. Denis Rook, who is on a flight to Australia from England in a “Moth” plane, which was injured in a mishap at Karachi, has left Jodhpore for Agra. The machine was satisfactorily repaired.—A. and N.Z.-Sun. Mr. Denis Rook created surprise by announcing on May 23 that he intended to fly his Moth airplane to Australia. He started on his venture at 10.36 a.m. next day, via Paris, carrying only a week-end suitcase. The Moth is only half the size of Sir Alan Cobham’s long-distance de Haviland, and is affectionately nicknamed “Marjorie,” after his fiancee. The trip is the outcome of a wager with a friend, but Rook has lost part of the wager, because he bet that he would fly to Australia without publicity. "If I am forced to land, people will say I am another flying fool—but not so skilful or lucky as Lindbergh. The plane cost me £7OO, and 1 have invested practically everything 1 have in it. It carries 40 gallons of petrol, giving me a range of 600 miles, though I do not expect to hop more than 200 or 300 miles at any stage. "My fiancee is in Australia, so I must succeed to reach her. I am aware that this is a risky job, but—" Nothing venture, nothing done.’ 1 expect the trip to occupy three months and I am making my own arrangements en route.” The plane has no special equipment, apart from a good compass. Rook wore a light grey suit and blue serge overcoat. He is without a change suit. "Believe me,” said Rook, when he was stepping into the Moth, "I do not intend charging the Alps or knocking the top off Mount Everest. My name is Denis, not Don Quixote. Good-bye!” Rook carried a collapsible bath, a spare propeller and two ..spare struts.