WORLD FLIGHT.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 383, 15 March 1937, Page 5

WORLD FLIGHT.

Mrs. Earhart Putnam’s Plans. Press Association —Copyright. San Francisco, March 13. United States Government ships at islands in the mld-Pacific to-day ma' 1 ” hurried preparations -ft”" ’w— ' eli-a Earhart Putnam, America’s leading woman aviator, announced that !she would start on a world flight at 5 p.in. on Sunda'y or Monday, Weather permitting. She plans to flv ' ■—.» stages to New Guinea on the first part of the flight. The weather outlook is uncertain. A depression area is persisting over the 2400 miles stretch to Honolulu, and it may develop into a storm. Mrs Putnam has decided to take a supply of slacks, blouses and boots, but no dresses. She said that when she flew the Atlantic all she-, took was a toothbrush, but realised that a change of clothing Was essential. ; Mr Manning, her co-pilot, praised her aviation accomplishments. He said' she had no real need of a navi- ■ gator after the Baciflfic crossing. I Mrs Putnam plans' to start from Mills Field, San Francisco. The personnel has 'been fncreev to include Mr Paul Mantz, her technical advisor, as far as Honolulu, and Mr Fred Noonan, former Pan-Ameri-clan Airways navigation instructor, as far as Howland Island. Both will ant as- relief pilots and navigators to conserve the energies of Mrs Putnam and’ Mr Manning for the last pilates of the flight.

Fuel consumption test's tfevealed that only 90Q. gallons of petrol instead of 1150 were necessary. This meant a weight saving of 15001'b. without losing the 40 per cent, safety factor. Thus the plane Was able to rake the ! extra crew,