IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16448, 2 June 1919, Page 3

IN THE AIR.

AN AMERICAN SEAPLANE,

COMPELLED TO TAKE TO THE

SEA

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright,

(Received May 31, 8.50 a.m.)

NEW YORK, May 20. The Washington correspondent of the New York Times states that Commander Towers, of the seaplane NC 3 cabled to report to the Navy Department from Ponta del Garda. The report shows that the seaplane was compelled to descend in the sea on the morning of May 17 for the purpose of making observations. The sea was rough and the machine was damaged in alighting, and was not able to rise. The mishap occurred So miles south of the proper course, and 205 miles from Ponta de Garda. NC 3 taxied on the surface of the sea for more than 52 hours, in spite of a heavy gale, and reached Ponta del Garda on May 19. She lost both wing pontoons on the way.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Asssn.

AMERICAN SEAPLANE.

ARRIVES IN ENGLAND

LONDON, May 31. The NC4 has arrived at Plymouth. It made a slow journey from Ferrol to Plymouth, not exceeding seventy knots an hour. General Seely, Air Minister, welcomed tho crew. The NC4 flew from Ferrol to Plymouth in seven hours. ... She flew the channel at an altitude of 200 ft. The crew of the NC4 were given a naval, military and civic welcome at Plymouth. The King telegraphed his congratulations. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A DELAYED STORY. NEW YORK, May 19. The New York Times’ correspondent says that it is estimated that the aeroplane started at a speed of a hundred miles per hour. Hawker and) Grieve wore heavy woollen clothing under inflatable rubber suits, which, it was believed, would keep them afloat 48 hours if they fell into the sea. AVhen Hawker studied the weather in the early morning ho said he thought ho would beat the Yanks across. Hawker and Grieve carefully figured out their course on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. They carried wireless apparatus with a radius of 250 miles. During the preparations Hawker showed no signs of any nervousness and appeared perfectly calm. He was informed of Eaynham’s mishap by wireless. Grieve said: “We shall fly straight for Ireland, relying for our position on the stars to-night.” Hawker, before starting, said: “We shall reach an altitude of 10,000 feet quickly after we start and hold that’ altitude until we reach the other side, and then rise to 15,000 feet in order- to get a planing radius of 15 miles in the event of the motor going wrong. We have flown 9| hours in England, covering just half the distance across the Atlantic. Flying over the sea relieves the mind of any worry, whereas flying oyer land means constant worry in seeking land marks.”

The papers pay a tribute to Hawker’s great daring, out emphasise the dangers of his adventure, which are described as the most, perilous in air flight his-tory.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LONDON, May 30. Sop with won’t ask Hawker and Grieve to make another attempt to cross the Atlantic.

'flio Board) of Trade has awarded pieces of plate to the captain of- the Alary, and medals and money to the boat’s crew, for rescuing Hawker and Grieve. 1

A Leeds firm has entered an aeroplane for the Australasian flight. The machine is of 250 horse-power and has a speed of 100 miles an hour. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LONDON, Slay 31.

Hawker, with his wife and Grieve, flew at the gala at Hendon to welcome the aviators. Scores of aeroplanes, piloted by the most prominent airmen, did stunts, giving a marvellous display of aerial feats. The heroes were cheered on landing. Hawker gave an exhibition of monoplane flight.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NEW YORK, May 31. A New York limes message from Falmouth states that Captain Rake, of Charlottesville, who landed Hawker’s aeroplane, considers the machine his property. It is understood that Sopwith’s offered a. large sum for its sal-vage.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

A AIOSQUITO AEROPLANE.

LITTLE BIGGER THAN MOTOR CAR.

(Received June 2, 11.30 a-.m.) LONDON, June 1. A mosquito aeroplane, the smallest in the world, was successfully flown for an hour. Tho engine is 20 horse-power, and the span 13 feet.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.