AERIAL NAVIGATION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 7 January 1928, Page 5

AERIAL NAVIGATION.

TRANS-TASMAN FLIGHT. ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETED. Press Association- Electric Telecraph -Copyright SYDNEY, Friday. The New Zealand aviators have completed all preparations for their ilight and arc only awaiting favourable weather conditions to make a start. They realise that there is an element of risk in crossing 1450 miles over the Tasman Sea in a pioneer flight, even under the most auspicious circumstances, and are determined not to take any foolhardy risks. They are hopeful of getting away early on Sunday morning, but will only start then if the weather is perfect for flying. They are leaving early in the morning so as to utilise the maximum amount of daylight. It is not yet 'decided whether Captain Kight or Capta’in Hood will accompany Lieutenant Moncrieff. The two pilots will take turns at the joystick and for two hours spells each will have control of the plane while the other rests. Who ther the machine makes direct for Wellington will not be decided till halfway across the Tasman, when bearings will be taken and a course set for either Wellington or Grcymouth, the proposed alternative landing place. The machine has been put through every possible test and the fliers are confident that it will prove equal to what it is required to do. Captain Kight, interviewed .by a Press Association . representative, strongly stressed the point that he wished the public both in New Zealand and Australia to understand that there was nothing whatever in the way of a stunt or of gaining personal kudos about the flight. At much personal inconvenience and financial risk, having received very small public support, the journey was being undertaken with the wider national objective of creating a deeper interest in the pressing question of the value of aerial defence in the Pacific zone and drawing into closer relationship the peoples of New Zealand and Australia in their commercial and other interests, thereby welding stronger links in the great Empire unity ideal. A GIANT AIRSHIP. RUGBY, Friday. The airship RIOO, which is under construction for the Air Ministry at the Ilowden works of the Airship Guarantee Company, is expected to be completed by April. After undergoj ing home trials, she will probably make a demonstration ilight across the Atlantic. Commander Burney, M.P., will next week leave for America to discuss plans for the future operations of the airship. It is suggested that, the vessel, j which will be the largest in the world, should carry passengers across the Atj lantic, the journey occupying 48 hours, and the fare being approximately £l2O. The airship is 709 feet long, and is to be. driven by an engine developing a total of 4200 horse-power. She will have accommodation for 100 passengers and a crew of 50.—-(British Oflicial Wireless).