SIR KINGSFORD SMITH

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18777, 27 October 1932, Page 3

SIR KINGSFORD SMITH

FLIGHT TO NEW ZEALAND. TO START JANUARY 14. “For the first time in the history of ocean-flying we will use radio-tele-phony tor communication with land. We hope to be able to talk direct with any city in Australia and New Zealand, also to New York and London. “A Sydney broadcasting station will relay conversations with us, during the flight, to a network of stations in Australia.” ' Thus Air Commodorfe Sir Charles Kings ford Smith, in giving details to the Sydney Sun ol" his proposed flight to New Zealand in the Southern Cross in January. He will be accompanied by 0. U. (“Scotty”) Allan (relief pilot), John M. S tannage (radio operator), and a passenger whose name cannot be disclosed at this stage. “We will take advantage of the full moon and leave, weather permitting, about 2 a.m. on January 14," “Smithy” said. “The 1300-mile hop should take us about 12 hours, and we will lift sufficient petrol for 20 hours in the air—an adequate margin of safety." Supplementing the radio-telephony, regular two-way Morse radio communication will be maintained with Sydney and New Zealand.

Experienced Operator. Slannage, who acted as radio operator during “Smithy’s" flight across the Atlantic from England to America in 1930, will construct the radio equipment to he carried. fie is the only survivor of the crew of the Canberra, Captain Les. Holden's ’plane, which rescued “Smithy" and party when they were lost In the north-west. Stannage will build a sound-proof cabin in the. Southern Cross for the radio-telephone. “Smithy” will leave the controls to Allan from time to time and give his story to listenersin the world over. “Lifting such a huge load will necessitate taking off from Gerringong Beach," said “Smithy.” “It will be much safer than risking Richmond aerodrome. Kicking the rudder seawards, we will have no worries about fences, trees and overhead wires. “I am undertaking the trip solely because I want to barnstorm New Zealand for several months. I cannot afford to ship the ’plane, so flying is the most practicable way. We will return by air, too.”