NEW ALTITUDE RECORD.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 8 April 1927, Page 9

NEW ALTITUDE RECORD.

French Airman’s Feat.

SENSATIONS OF HIGH FLYING,

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.

(Received April 7, 9 p.m.) PARIS, April 7

Sensations while flying at the greatest height ever reached, are described by Lieutenant De Mougecut, who established the world’s record, reaching an altitude of 31,164 feet. Lieutenant De Mougecut says the climbing was more difficult after 15,000 feet had been reached. After that it took half an hour to reach 27,000 feet. Beyond that he climbed only 1500 ft. in half an hour. When at the peak of the flight, he had to gasp painfully for every breath. As he was not wearing goggles, his eyas were half blinded by frozen tears. Slight movements of the oxygen mask caused blisters on the 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 han<t3 and feet were extremely painful, though protected by special gloves and shoes.