CENTENARY AIR RACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19806, 23 May 1934, Page 9

CENTENARY AIR RACE

RIGID CONDITIONS RAISED

ITALIAN AIRCRAFT TO COMPETE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-Copyright (Received May 22, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 22. The head of the Press Bureau of the Italian Air Ministry told the “SunHerald” Service that Flight-Captain Lombardi will be the only Italian entry in the Centenary air race. “The Sun” says that Flight-Captain Lombardi’s entry proves the importance that Signor Mussolini attaches to the race particularly as Lombardi has long been known as II Duce’s official pilot. He will fly a streamlined monoplane called P.L.3.

RULES MAY BE AMENDED.

STATEMENT BY AIR AUTHORITIES United Press Association—Bv Elerttn: Telegraph—Copyright (Received May 22, 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 21. Indicating that American racers may yet be eligible for the Macßobertson competition, the Aeronautic Association informed the Australian Press Association that the Department of Commerce is now drafting a statement on airworthiness requirements as were finally compromised and entries are now acceptable by cable up to June 1.

KINGSFORD SMITH’S VIEWS.

PLEASED AT COMPROMISE IN RULES. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received May 22. 8 p.m.) LOS ANGELES, May 21. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith told the Australian Press. Association that he was pleased to hear that a compromise had apparently been reached. He said it would obviate severe criticism. He had planned to transport any plane he purchased here to Australia to secure its approval, but now that may be unnecessary.

‘SPEED NOT THE ONLY FACTOR

PRESS COMMENT ON RACE ESSENTIALS. United Press Association —Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyr’ght LONDON, May 21. “The Manchester Guardian,” summing up the prospects for the air race, considers that no plane with a speed of under 200 miles an hour will have much chance of success. The first three will probably have to run as great risks as those involved in an Atlantic flight. A hundred miles gained will make all the difference between success and failure. The temptation to cut corners will be acute, but may take the pilot far from the safe commercial routes. Speed, however, will not be the only factor. Range, night flying, equipment, and navigational ability are equally important. Whoever wins will have emerged from the severest test for modern machines and piloting that anyone could wish.