31,000 FEET ABOVE EARTH

Taranaki Daily News, 8 April 1927, Page 9

31,000 FEET ABOVE EARTH

WORLD RECORD ATTITUDE BLINDED BY FROZEN TEARS. AIRMAN'S PAINFUL CLIMB. By Telegraph-Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 7, 9 p.m. Paris, April 7. The sensations received while flying at the greatest height ever reached, are described by Lieut, de Mougeout, who established the world’s record, reaching an altitude of 31,164 feet. He says climbing was more difficult after 15,000 feet had been reached. After that it took him half an hour to reach 27,000 feet. Beyond that he climbed only 1500 feet in half an hour. When at the peak of his flight, he had to gasp painfully for every breath. As he was not wearing goggles, his eyes were half blinded by frozen tears. Slight movements of the oxygen mask caused blisters on" his cheeks and chin, while even the gas from the exhaust pipe was frozen as it exuded, leaving a trail of snowy substance behind. He was completely deaf on landing, his hands and feet being extremely painful, though protected by special gloves and shoes.