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Aviation History
1919
1919 - 0535.PDF
APRIL 24, 1919 THE TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT WHILE the weather continues to delay those competitors who are ready to start, the list of entries gradually grows It now numbers nine, the latest being an Alliance biplane fitted with a 450 h.p. Napier Lion engine, entered by the Alliance Aeroplane Co., Ltd., of Hammersmith. Mr. J. A Peters is nominated as the pilot, and Capt. W. R. Curtis K.A.F., as the navigator and assistant pilot. The continued bad weather also gives the Short machine " Shamrock " a further chance, as it appears that the damage sustained in its dip into the sea off Anglesey last week can soon be put right. The machine left Eastchurch at 3.15 p.m. on April 18 to fly to the Curragh, and they passed over Holy head about 7.20 p.m. When about 12 miles out at sea the engine stopped, and as Maj. Wood, the pilot, could not get it going again the machine was turned and eventually alighted about half a mile from the shore. Maj. Wood and Capt Wyllie were rescued by a motor launch ; the machine 22 hours later, was towed to Holyhead and hoisted ashore Mr. J. Lankester Parker, who was flying a single-seater Short on seeing the " Shamrock " in difficulties, turned about and landed in a field not far from the shore. From subsequent investigation it appeared that the cause of the stoppage was an air lock in the petrol system. The only damage sustained appears to be that due to the immersion of the planes in the sea, and it is hoped that the machine will be ready for another attempt in about a week's time. In the event of the Atlantic being crossed before it can be ready to start the " Shamrock " will try for duration and long-distance records. Mr. Raynham, on April 17, made a trial flight of about half an hour's duration with his Martinsyde machine at St John's, and everything appeared to be working satis actorilv According to a message trom St. John's Mr. Raynham and Mr. Hawker have mutually agreed to eliminate the risks which competitive eagerness would entail br a hurried departuie without full and thorough preparations. In other words they will both wait until the weather conditions are sufficiently settled to give them a good chance of making the journey across. Expeiintents have been carried out at St. John's in the hope of finding better weather conditions at a high level, bui they have proved abortive so far, as the trial balloons disappear in the mist at 6,000 feet altitude. The Handley-Page machine is now on its way to St. John's It is expected that the pilots will be Maj. H. G. Brackley, D.S.O., R.A.F., and Admiral Mark Kerr, with Maj. T. Gran, R.A.F., as navigator and wireless expert. An aerodrome is being prepared for the machine at Harbour Grace. A representative of Messrs. Boulton and Paul is reported to have arrived at St. John's to arrange for an aerodrome and supplies, and the Whitehead machine to be flown by Capt. Arthur Payze is expected, while the arrival of one of the " Felixstowe Furies " which may attempt the flight hors concours, is anticipated. Capt. A. G. D. West, R.A.F., has been appointed navigator to accompany Mr. Sydney Pickles on the Fairey (360 h.p. Rolls-Royce engine) seaplane. A test made on April 17 with one of the N.C. flying boats was disappointing. With a full load the four Liberty motors failed to get the flying boat off the water; after 20 minutes. In 'a trial on" Tuesday, however, the vessel lifted eleven passengers. Fcllcwing this comes an an nouncement from Washington that three flying boats of this type, each carrying a crew of five, will attempt a non-stop flight to Ireland early next month. In the meantime a detachment of observers and mechanics of the Naval Air Station at Rockaway Beach, who have been selected to aid the United States Navy's plans for the Transatlantic flight, have left Rockaway in the " Aroostook " for New foundland. It is understood that the " Aroostook " will proceed later to the Azores to act as a supply ship. The cruisers " Columbia " and " Baltimore " have also been detailed to assist in the flight. THE TRANSATLANTIC RACE.—Up to the present the Fairey—Rolls-Royce machine is the only seaplane entered in this country. This photograph shows the standard Fairey 3C type. The machine to be used for the Transatlantic attempt is very similar in general appearance, although differing in various details. The insets show the machine in flight and Mr. Sidney Pickles, the pilot. Capt. A. G. D. West, R.A.F., has been selected as toe navigator. 535
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