FLIGHT ACROSS TASMAN DURING NIGHT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 57, 9 March 1946, Page 4

FLIGHT ACROSS TASMAN DURING NIGHT

LANCASTRIAN’S RECORD TRIP FROM U.K.

First of the two Lancastrian aircraft attempting record England-New Zealand flights was due at Ohakea

Aerodrome about 2 a.m. to-day, according to advice received at the station during the night. The plane left Sydney on the last stage of the flight at 7.53 p.m., and the captain, Squadron Leader L. J. Adams, D.F.C., A.F.C., anticipated making the Tasman crossing in about six hours.

It was originally anticipated that the aircraft would reach Ohakea about 10 p.m., and a large number of Government officials and press representatives awaited its arrival. The left England at 1.30 a.m. (G.M.T.) on March 6 in an attempt to make the flight to New Zealand in 50 flying hours. Even though the trip was not made in that time the machine will have set a new record, but this is likely to be broken almost immediately by the second Lancastrian, which is due to reach Ohakea late this afternoon. This machine left England at 1.37 a.m. (G.M.T.) on March 7 under tiie command of Squadron Leader A. J. Bradshaw, and was reported last night to be making somewnat better time. On the first part of its flight across the Tasman last night the first Lancastrian would have been within radio range of Australia, and later Ohakea stood by to hick up any messages which the plane might send out, such as requests for weather information.