AERONAUTICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2595, 1 September 1909, Page 5

AERONAUTICS.

MR. CODY’S LATEST FEAT. COUNT ZEPPELIN HAS ANOTHER MISHAP. United Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, August 30. . Mr Cody aeroplaned eight mile? in 9J minutes at Aldershot, at a height of one hundred feet. PARbS, August 30. When returning from Berlin, Count Zeppelin was compelled to descend at Buelzig, near Wittenberg. Two fore propellers broke and pierced the envelope, causing the gas to escape. M. Millerand, Minister of Works, on being interviewed at the close of the aviation meetings at Rheims, said) he was convinced that there was a great future for aeroplanes, especially in regions where, as in South Algeria and Asia, roads were wanting, for the transport of mails. He added that stations would be necessary to enable aeroplanists to replenish their supply of petrol.

Mr Farm an won the prize for the highest speed with passengers (10 kilometres). Mr Latham won the altitude prize for height (153 metres). Mr Fayman rose to a height of 110 metres), and M. Paulhan to 80 metres. PROJECTED COMPETITIONS IN ENGLAND. FRENCH AVIATORS WILL COMPETE. (Received August 31, 9.45 p.m.) PARIS, August 31. Eight aviators at Rheims offered to attend the projected aviation meeting at Blackpool in October. M. Bleriot and Mr. Latham will compete at the meeting at Wembley (Middlesex) in October.

Some time ago Mr. Cody’s aeroplaning progress was the subject of some disrespectful questions in the, House of Commons, but since then he has beaten all English aeroplane records by making a circular flight of nearly two miles. On this occasion—in June—for about 1000 yards the aeroplane was only 15ft from the ground. It then mounted to nearly 40ft., gliding again to an altitude of from 20ft to 25ft. Rising once more to 40ft, Mr. Cody commenced the turning movement. At first the machine faltered, hut as the aviator tilted the elevating planes more steeply it mounted quickly, and, inclining gracefully, swept round. At varying elevations ana with perfeet steadiness the aeroplane completed a circle with a circumference of 1000 yards or more. This accomplished, Mr. Cody brought the machine upon an even keel again, and, at a height of from 25ft to 30ft., _ sped back to the starting place, coming to the ground within a few yards of the spot whence the flight was commenced. The approximate speed was thirty miles per hour. The aeroplane was under perfect control during the whole flight, which was much in advance of Mr. Oody’e previous best flight of l£ miles without a turn. Mr. Codv afterwards explained the undulating motion of the machine in flight: “It is because my power is too low,” he said. “My engine is one 0f.50-h.pi, hut the elevating movement checks my speed. I propose at once to fit an engine of 80h.p., and then I hope to make longer flights.” '