AERIAL TRAIN.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20312, 23 May 1934, Page 1

AERIAL TRAIN.

Plane to Tow Three Gliders to Crimea. RUSSIAN EXPLOIT. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received Mav 23, 11.30 a.m'.) MOSCOW, May 22. The champion airman Fedoseem, in a fast aeroplane, took off towing three gliders bound for the Crimea to participate in a gliding meeting. This is the longest journey yet attempted by an air train.

COMPROMISE REACHED. Eligibility of U.S. Planes for Air Race. WASHINGTON. May 21. Indicating that American racing aeroplanes may yet be eligible for the Melbourne Centenary air race, the Aeronautic Association has informed the Australian Press Association that “ the Department of Commerce is now drafting a statement on airworthiness requirements as finally compromised. Entries are now acceptable by cable up to June 1. At Los Angeles Sir Charles KingsforclSmith told a representative of the Australian Press Association that he was pleased to hear that compromise had apparently been reached regarding the conditions of the race. He said it would obviate severe criticism. Discussing his own plans, Sir Charles said he had intended to transport any machine he purchased in America to Australia to secure approval there, but now that might be unnecessary. TWO AMERICANS ENTER. Signor Lombardi Represents Italy. (Received May 23. 12.5 p.m.) LONDON. May 22. Two Americans, James Weddell, in a Weddell-Williams machine, and R. F Lape, in a Lockheed-Orion, an Italian. Francis Lombardi, and a Frenchman, Captain Challe, have lodged entries for the Centenary air race. There will be a large field, as several are not entering until the last few days, in order to preserve the secret of the make of their machines. ITALIAN AIRMAN ENTERS. LONDON, May 22. The head of the press bureau of the Italian Air Ministry told the “ SunHerald ” news service that Signor Lombardi will be the only Italian entry in the Melbourne Centenary Air Race. The “ Sun ” says that Signor Lorn- ! bardi’s entry proves the importance j that Signor Mussolini attaches to the race, particularly as Signor Lombardi* has long been known as the Duce’s official pilot. He will fly a stream-lined monoplane called PL3. Captain George Pond has announced that he is entering for the Centenary Air Race. He has embarked in an Imperial Airways mailplane at Brindisi for Singapore. He will visit Australia. N.Z. MACHINE MAY ENTER. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, May 22. In spite of the failure of the aero clubs of New Zealand to co-operate in promoting a Dominion entry for the centenary air races from England to Australia, the Auckland committee rtill hopes to arrange for a machine to. be entered in the handicap race. It is likely that in the event of the necessary funds, about £7OOO, being raised, Squadron-Leader J. D. Hewett and Flying-Officer C. E. Kay, of Auckland, will be chosen as pilot and navigator respectively. * A deputation of prominent business men waited on the Hon J. A. Young seeking permission to hold an art union to raise the necesary funds. It is understood the Minister was favourably inclined towards the proposal, but no definite reply has yet been received.