Flyers Tune Up Planes

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 759, 4 September 1929, Page 9

Flyers Tune Up Planes

SCHNEIDER CUP TEAMS READY Prince of Wales Mews Tests (Australian and X.Z. Press Associa: io ) British Official M’ircless Received 11.30 a.m. RUGBY. Tuesday. AT Calshot yesterday, one of the Gloster-Xapier seaplanes to be flown in the Schneider Trophy race was. for the tir>! time, handed over to Flight-Lieutenant D’Arey Greig. who will probably fly one of this type in the race. .Much satisfaction was expressed with the performance, but it was doubtful whether the machine was flown at full speed.

Two rather alarming incidents occurred during the day to race planes. As one o£ the Italian star pilots went up lie appeared to damage a float without knowing it. Every available fast motor-boat was ordered out and raced up and down the Solent waiting for him to alight. Happily the plane rode well and remained afloat, although a small hole was found in one of the floats. Soon afterward a supermarine Rolls Royee, piloted by Flying-Officer Flight-Lieutenant D. F. W. Atcherley, came in from a practice flight with the stout duralumin cover of one of the steel float struts torn. It is believed the damage was caused by the machine striking a seagull. Italian engineers have made good progress with the preparation of their

racing craft and the engines were fully tested yesterday. The Prince of Wales flew today from Brooklands to Southampton, whence he crossed to Calshot with Squadron-Leader Orlebar, captain of the British team. He inspected the British and Italian seaplanes which will compete in the race.

Members of both British and Italian i teams were presented to his Royal Highness, who was photographed with them. The Prince was given an indication of the speed which it is hoped the British machines will attain. He is the only person not connected with the British team to whom this information has been divulged. The Prince later, in a Southampton flying boat, flew round the course of the race.