EVEREST FLIGHT PLANS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19394, 19 January 1933, Page 9

EVEREST FLIGHT PLANS

MAKING ATTEMPT IN MARCH

UTMOST PRECAUTIONS DEMANDED United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

LONDON. January 17.

Members of the Everest Flight Expedition, led by Air-Commander Fellowes, with Squadron-Leader Lord Clydesdale, as chief pilot, will leave for India early next month, and the attempt to fly over the world’s highest mountain will be made in March. The main base will be at Purnea, about 150 miles from Mount Everest. The flight will be undertaken by two aeroplanes, each carrying a pilot and observer.

These will be equipped with oxygen contained in cylinders made of special extremely strong steel, recently produced by Vickers-Armstrong. Westland aircraft, with BristolPegasus engines have been chosen for the venture, and all flying members of the expedition have undergone tests in sealed chambers at the Royal Aircraft establishment, in which air will be rarified to the extent of approximately a height of of 37,000 feet. In that atmosphere thin paper falls to the ground without fluttering; the tick of a watch is not heard, as there is insufficient air to carry sound. All members passed the test. The cost of the expedition is being largely borne by Lady Houston. AMERICAN AIRMAN'S PLANS. United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 18. 8.30 p.m.) NEW YORK. January 17. Captain Ashley McKinley who was Admiral Byrd’s official photographer, on the Antarctic Expedition, in an interview by the “New York Times aviation correspondent to-day, declared he had reason to believe that the British flight expedition over Mount Everest, was based on his plans. He said that while he was in London seeking permission to make the flight, he made an agreement with Colonel L. V. Stewart Blacker, a British aviator, to fly the expedition’s plane, and told him of his complete plans, including the details about placing a meteorologist observer of weather conditions about Mount Peak and other technical matters. When he returned to America recently, he learned that the British flight would probably start during February. At the same time Colonel Blacker informed him he was going with another expedition, which he assumes, is British.

Captain McKinley Indicated that he would abandon the expedition, as it was impossible for him to be firstthere.