IN THE ANTARCTIC.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17687, 16 April 1929, Page 7

IN THE ANTARCTIC.

VALUE OF AIRPLANE. UNDER SEVEREST CONDITIONS. * -MANY LESSONS LEARNED. (By Mr. Russell OTven, Copyrighted 1828 by the .New York Times Company, ar.d the St. Louts Post-Dispatch. All rights for publication reserved throughout the ’world. Wireless to tho New York Times.] (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—copyright.) (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Received April 16, 8.55 a.m.) BAY OF WHALES, April 14. The airplane has proved its value in Antarctic flying under the most severe conditions —cold far below zero, through snow squalls, over a surface obscured by drift, surrounded by an undeflnied horizon. The motors have shown no mechanical failures, and the landing gear has stood up on fields so rough that at home no pilot would dream of taking off with a load. The most' important lesson learned is that airplanes for use in this country of^violent winds should have folded wihgs.

“ I judge that 60 per cent, of our flying has been done by instruments because it has been impossible to distinguish the surface or the horizon at times during the flights,” said Commander Byrd, adding: “The results have so far exceeded our expectations, and I am now more than ever convinced that in a region so inaccessible as Antarctica the airplane is the logical method for exploration, except where local conditions make it prohibitive. • We have flown over, 1000 square miles- of territory never before seen. We have surveyed and mapped it. and landed on it for closer geological examination, and. to fix its position. True we have lost one aeroplane, but we were pioneering, and I believe from the experience gained sucli losses can be avoided by future air explorers. So I think the record of this preliminary work speaks well for the use of the aeroplane in exploration, and points the way to an even greater record to be written not only by us but also by those who will come after us.

Troubles With the Engine. “ During a photographic flight at 10,000 feet,” added Commander Byrd, “ with the temperature at 38 degrees below, the engines began backfiring and missing, clue to tack of heat in the oil system. The oil temperature is normally 140 to 160 Fahrenheit, but on this occasion it fell to 100. Lagging two more oil lines brought it up to 140. and there was no further trouble. It is believed it will eventually be possible to enclose the entire aircooled engine in cowling, so that the flow of oil may be regulated and an even 'temperature maintained at all times. Such cowling would be ideal for Antarctic (lying. Starting an engine presents many difficulties, but with blow torches and hot oil we are able to do it in 45 minutes. “ We frequently found after a storm fine snow drifted in through a tiny opening in the canvas until every space between -the cylinders, rods, and even inside the cowling, is packed with hard snow. The valve box covers are filled with a paste of snow and congealed oil, and the entire engine is so stiff that a man can throw his weight against the propeller without budging it. This looks rather hopeless till the heater is put under the engine- and it is melted out. Even if the engine could be turned over carburettion in a cold engine at 30 degrees below is impossible, but with fireproof canvas above and blow torches underneath even in the coldest weather, with high winds, it is possible to heat the motor to a temperature of 120 in 45 minutes.”