1936-08-06 — Page 7

FLYING THE EMPIRE

AIR MAILS

Broadcast Talk By Capt.

W. J. Scott

"Flying The Empire Air Mails” was the subject of Broadcast Talk delivered yesterday evening by Capt. W. J. Scott of the R. M. A. "Dorado."

Those of you who are expecting to hear me talk of homeric battles with the elements, of grave risks taken and accidents narrowly averted because the mails must go through', are, I am afraid, to be disappointed,

by wireless frequent reports from ground stations so that his course can be varied to avoid bad wea- ther areas, or if unsultable weather conditions unexpectedly develop at his destination he can. If de- sirable. return to the point of In the short time at my disposal | departure or land at some suitable I want to explain to you how the intermediate landing place until conditions under which the great the weather improves, trunk Emp.re air routes are opera- *ted are entirely the reverse

this romane fallacy. and to emphasize now vastly they differ from those thrilling and tense episodes one so often sees depict ed on the popular screen..

of

Avoidance of risk, operating to schedule, and the comfort of pas- serigers are perhaps the main considerations of the Air Line pilot. and modern developments In al transport are all towards obtaining the fullest achievement of these conditions.

In the early days of commercial aviation every single night was an adventure in itself. We used uncomfortable. single-engined. open-cockpit aircraft, 'took off'

Perhaps if I were to give you a brief description of a fight from Hong Kong to Penang from the pilot's" polat of view, you will understand better how no risks of any kind are allowed to enter into the operation of this typical 'feeder' service.

THE CARES

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1936.

TOURING PARTIES

ON THE RAJPUTANA"

The P. & O. liner "Rajputans," which arrived early yesterday morning from London via Suez. carried a large passenger list. two tourist among which were parties:

Mrs. Janë Johna and Mr. Willson Tuttle are the leaders of the Boring Party, numbering some thirty four

persons.

The other party is known as the Keller Party, and the conductress Is Miss Jeanette Koehnke.

FINE COLLECTION OF OPALS

EXHIBITION AT LANE,

CRAWFORD'S

OBITUARY

Mr. Stanley Cobham

DIES OF HEART FAILURE

It is with regret that the an- Mr. Prosper Ralston, the world-nouncement is made of the death wide adventurer. musician and of Mr. Stanley Cobham on Tues- prospector, yesterday held his ex- day night at the Government hibition of half a million dollars Civil Hospital, worth of cat and uncut multi- guest of the Repulse Bay coloured opals at the Lane, Craw-Hotel, Mr. Cobham had complain- ford's Show. Room, ground floor. ed of not feeling well early ori Judging by the exhibits, no Tuesday, and as he had not been doubt. Mr. Prosper Ralston's opal down for his meals for the pre- The parties had originally in- cahibition is one of the finest louf days, the manager, Mr. J. tended to disembark on the arrival | collections in the world. Tha

Bemmler, went up to his room. of the "Rajutana" in Hong Kong green opals are particularly beau but their plans have been changed, tiful. They look exactly like And they are now going through | Chinese green Jades on the ship to Shanghai.

It is understood that Mr. Pros-diately to the Government Civil

the Ralston,

well-known Hospital Medical ald was pro- per

useless, and he passed dealer in opals has come to Hongnounced Kong to establish a gem-cutting away at 12.30. plant, and to display his valu- An autopsy which was perform- able collection which Includes ed yesterday morning "disclosed the fact that he had SUC- cumbed to heart failure.

After a thorough tour of northern China, the parties will return to America an one of the President liners.

be set

'VISUAL

.

Seeing that Mr. Cobham was 11, the patient was rushed imme-

course over the sea to Tourane may some, very ane specimens of Aus- tralian black opals, for one of which it is said Mr. Ralston refus-

Little is known of the late Mr. In fine weather conditions dur- ed $13,000.

Cobham. He arrived in the Co- Mr. Prosper Ralston will also tony on June 17 on ing the fight to Tourane, the work

board the such demonstrate

the art of cutting-Javanese Prince," and had been of the crew is confined to routine matters as making visual opals here, as he has done in alla guest of the Repulse Bay Hotel checks on the course by noting the the important stores in the world. ever since that time. various landmarks passed, such as

and there will be opals on sale at Hainan Island, etc, checking up prices ranging from $3 to $1,000. un the petrol consumption, record-

The opal exhibition, which was log instrument readings.

and opened to the public yesterday, transmitting periodical wireless will continue for several weeks, messages to ground stations giv-and will open from 8.30 am, to 5 ing the position of the aircraft sop.m, each day. that officials at the stations may, map the progress being made, Oc-

As soon as the aircraft arrives in Hong Kong from Penang, it is ctken over by the Ground Engin- eer. meticulously examined, and a routine overhaul carried out, I any parts are found to be in any way defective or worn they are replaced, and when the Engineer considers that the aircraft is in perfect airworthy condition be very often without the slightest signs a Certificate' accordingly. Idea of the weather conditions On the morning of departure whead, constantly alert for the the pilot receives from the meteo-casionally, a weather report may be Arst signs of eng ne trouble-rological authorities a detailed re- which was unfortunately 1 freport showing the weather condi euent occurrence-aimed roughly

in the direction of our destination --and prayed to the Pates to ha terciful!

But those were the early days! Since then transport flying has been entirely revolutionized.

INDEPENDENT ENGINES

To-day, all the latest air liners in operation on the Empire routes jave four independent engines; if one falls the performance is barely affected. If two fall-an inanite

simal chance the aircraft can

still continue to its destination:

and if three fall-almost an im- passibility—thu. remaining one usually gives sumclent power to roable an emergency around to be reached in safety.

Moreover. before each day's Alght, every aircraft is minutely

landing

or structural

tions in the vicinity of Hong Kong

and 'en mute' between Hong Kong and Tourane. A forecast is also

provided showing how the actual conditions may be expected to change during the next few hours, and perhaps most important of all, he receives details of the wind- directions and their velocities not

only at sen level but at heights up to several thousands of feet.

If by chance the report indicates

that a typhoon is crossing the path of the aircraft, departure would, of course. be delayed until the dis- turbance is well out of the track, It usually being possible to regain

up. On another occasion the time last through such a hold

bad weather, for example, heavy continuous rain with 'nil' visibility. may prevail at the destination. and if the forecast indicated that these conditions were likely to con

very

would in all probability delay his departure until some improvement the next landing place could safe- took place. There is no doubt that be made under almost any wea- ther conditions but it is essential that no risks de taken.

received over the wireless intiicat- ing changes in the wind velocities and directions in the vicinity of Indo-China, so that the pilot may

decide to climb or descend to a

He was fifty three years old and a native of New York. He was a civil engineer but he had never practised his profession here, a far as anyone knows.

Word is being awalled from his All are welcome, there being no relatives in New York, as to whe- charge for admittance.

At

A NIGHT-STOP the moment Tourane is a

night-stop, so here the aircraft is taxied into the hangar, is refuell-

different altitude to take full ad-ed, and carefully Inspected in

vantage of these winds.

Sometimes large cloud areas" ite across the track of the machine so that it is necessary to fly 'blind." To assist the pilot in this there are a number of very sensitive and accurate instruments Install- ed on the instrument panel, in- cluding the Turn and Bank Indi-

readiness for the next day's fight. Over-night, the plot receives the weather forecast of the conditions to be expected she following day for the fight to Saigon, and on the morning of departure he re- ceives further detailed reports. If cloud conditions exist for any great distance over the hills be

cator, the Cilmb and Descent In-

tween Tourane and Saigon, the dicator, a gyroscopic Artificial

pilot may decide to take the coast Horizon, and a gyroscopic Direction

route, or if clear conditions are re- Indicator. The latter two are per-parted for some distance before haps the most important instru

Saigon he ments; the Artificial Horison shows

blind, over the hill knowing that good weather is ahead.

the pilot to the exact attitude of the aircraft in relation to the hor zon so that any tendency to climb or descend of to bank may automa- tically be corrected. The Direc course being steered and indicates pilot may thus fy for long distan any deviation from this course. A

ces through clouds or at night with the utmost precision and safety.

-xamined by ofcals specially licensed by the British Air Minis-Haue for several hours the pilot nyro is set to zero for the try for this work, and if there As the slightest defect the aircraft is not permitted to leave the ground until it's rectified; so that cases of engine tallure are very rare indeed and a pilot is able to fly with his mind content that there is barely a mil- Hou to one chance of his being walled upon to make an emergency landing due to mechanical failure. One of the greatest development .n air transport is the enormously increased safely factor due to the use of "wreless. All the Empire route aircraft are equipped with two-way wireless sets and have on board an experienced wireless

a

type varying according to the size of the aircraft and the routes

fort.

WIND DIRECTION

ther the remains are to be em- balmed for burial here or in Ame- rica.

11

H. K. NAVAL VOLUNTEER FORCE

Monthly Order No. 20, 1936

OFFICERS

Orders by Lieutenant-Comman- der J. Petrie, D.S.O., Commanding

may decide to fly Officer.

Generally speaking, the proce- dure on this sector and on the Saigon - Penang trip is the same as on the Hong Kong Tournne sector: I hope, then, that I have shown you how no risks of any kind are allowed to enter into the operation of an air line and that with careful organisation the pos- sibility of an accident occurring 12 very remote.

an

DISTANCES OVER SEA

1

(1) Executive Officer for August: Lieut, J. C. M. Grenham.

(2) 0.0D. Duties: Rotation an per Roster dated 28.7.36.

J

During typhoon season special attention is to be given to Stand- ing' Orders Nos. 14 and 18 (with appendix).

(3) Drills

Lecturer: Sub. Lt. Stevenson. Tuesday, August. 25: (a)' Organi-

"Pilotage sation of a ship's Company and (b)

Lecturer: I Grieve.. Voluntáry Drills: Every Friday at

(4) Medical Inspection:

От

Tuesday, August 11 at 17.15 Surg Lieut. J. B. Mackle will medically

Muster on HMS. Cornflower at 17.45 unless otherwise stated. OTHER INSTRUMENTS

Tuesday, August 11: (a) Mine- In addition to these instruments

sweeping (Elstorical) and (b) I have mentioned there are, of

On this particular route fairly Minesweeping. One launch using In most cases the weather re-

course, many others such as pet-large distances are flown over the single or Double SweeD. Leave port is favourable; the pilot then rol gauges, engine revolution coun- studies the wind direction and de-ters, compasses, temperature gau- forced landing is

sea and although the risk or a Queen's Pier at 17.10. Dress-Over-

Infinitesimal, alis. eides at which height ha wili ny❘ges, oil pressure gauges, and so on.

precautions to ensure the safety Instructors: C.O. and Sub. Lt. to take advantage of the most If the clouds extend for any

Dulley. favourable winds a tall wind al- great distance the pilot, in order

of the passengers and crew in such ways being looked for to speed the

Tuesday, August 18: (a) and (b) eventuality are nevertheless to relieve himself of the tedium of taken. On board there are fe- Meteorology, Laws of Storms, Wea- aircraft to its destination. Under blind flying', may decide to climb belts, an inflatable boat with oars, ther signs, Swinging of vessel for certain circumstances. however, a above them to clearer regions and emergency rations. If a for- Compass Deviation and Correction. operator, so that at no time is an

pilot in the interests of his passen- Occasionally the clouds exteid al-ced landing became necessary an Compass errors by observations. aircraft out of touch with

gers must choose to fly against most to the destination, and as no s.OS, message would immediately ground station and can usually headwinds; for example, over cer- ristial check can thus be made be sent out.over the wireless giv- communicate with two, three, or tain sectors in India very strong on the couise being steered, the even more stations; it is, thus able winds of 30 or 40 or even 50 mites wireless homing device is brought longitude, so that the ground, sta

ing the exact latitude and constantly to receive weather fore- an hour are often experienced near

reports of the actual the surface. but the pilot cannot by when the aircraft is pointing tion on the particular sector over into use. This is a device where- tion responsible for emergency ac- casts, and conditions at the place to wh'ch take advantage of these when ay- direct at the wireless station at which the aircraft is flying could 17.45. the aircraft is proceeding. More-ing in their direction owing to the the destination no signal is recel take immediate steps. All ship- over, each aircraft is equipped extreme heat at low altitudes ved through the ear-phones, but as ping in the vicinity would be war- with some form of wireless diree- which would cause tion-finding apparatus the actual great discomfort, and he therefore the right or left a signal is heard, mediately be sent to the reported examine new Volunteer Ratings

passengers soon as any deviation is made to ned and a fast boat would im climbs to the higher "altitudes so that by this means the nose of position. A descent where perhaps headwinds are en- the aircraft can be held to point safely be made on the water by a nation of the permanent staff.

can quite also complete the bi-annual exami- countered but where passengers directly at the wireless station experienced hands. (5) Appointe: Excerpt from Gov- can enjoy the fight in cool com-emitting the signal.

In the conditions I have just passengers would don their life-ernment Gazette No. 41 of July 24, The aircraft is now ready on the mentioned, Le. when the clouds would be launched-although it is

belts, and the infatable boat 1936: tarmac at Kai Tak, the engines extend almost or completely to the probable that the aircraft Itself have been 'run up, the pilot has destination, reports are constantly would foat until assistance ar- received and examined his wear being received through the wire-rived. I mention in the development of ther report, the passengers are on less as to the actual cloud height quite a number of people believe board, ships papers are signed, in the vicinity of the aerodrome, that a disaster is bound to follow early days transport pilots had to and everything is ready for de- and the plot; having worked out parture. The Captain and First the time of his expected arrival rely on brief 'visual reports fram reporting stations by

Omcer-the latter is also the wire In-

from the aircraft's known cruising less operator-take their seats in Experienced observers: or Over

speed after allowing for the wind Very Important developments in many routes no

"the control cabin and the signal velocities, descends through the the pperation of air lines are about reports of any

is given to leave. The aircraft 28 description were available,

clouds some distance before the to take place with the introduc- (5) Mess Committee:-The Mess Now, however, all nations

taxied slowly to the limit of the

coast is reached to make a vistal' tion into service of the new Em-Committee, July to September in- appreciating the immense impor aerodrome giving the longest take-

check upon his position. If by any pire Flying Boats next year. Inclusive, is as follows: of run into wind, the throttles are tance of meteorological organisa-

whilst the cidentally, the first of these was tions, not only for aviation but opened, and in a few seconds the unfortunate chance,

aircraft smoothly leaves

aircraft is in flight between Hong taken into the air at Rochester on for general commercial purposes, and are establishing numerous ground, climbs above the harbour, Kong and Tourane, the conditions July 4th, its take of, general up-to-date and well-equipped re- and heads over the sea to Tourane. at the latter place changed aud-handling, and performance being

These officers will audit the ac- porting stations which furnish de- As soon as the crew are satisfied denly and the clouds closed down reported as extremely good. From talled observations to centres that everything is running smooth completely upon the aerodrome, it the flying point of view these counts for the period April 1 to where accurate forecasts and re- an all clear message is sent over would probably be necessary to boats will be the last word, being June 30. Mess Secretary will ar ports are then compiled. A pilot, the wireless to Hong Kong. The make for some other aerodrome equipped with all the most mo- range time and place. before commencing any flight, aircraft is then climbed to the where conditions are more favour- dern devices to aid navigation and then knows exactly what condi- height previously decided upon, able and to wait there until such to lessen the dependence upon the Hons exist en route and at his the pilot checks his ground speed time as suitable weather condi- human element so that pilots destination, and is also warned by means of noting the time tations are reported at Tourane. A will be able to fy for long dis of any likely change in these ken to fly between islands known suficient quantity of petrol is al tances over, water, and in all -conditions during the actual fight. distances apart, and also checks his ways carried to cover such an weather conditions with the utmost

emergency. Whilst in the air he also receives i drift, so that the correct compass

precision, and safety.

flown over-which enable it to steer accurately for its destination even under 'Till visibility' condi- tions

there is and when

'Zero' cloud helgbt.

METEORÓLUGICAL FACILITIES

Another vitally important ad- vance is meteorological facilities,

In the

ونم

*are

the

this because

a forced landing upon the sea.

DEVELOPMENTS

Governor has been pleased, un-

"No. 633 His Excellency the

der section of the regulations of the Hong Kong Naval Volm- teer's Force, to appoint Joan Beveridge Mackle. Esquire, to be

a Surgeon Lieutenant in the Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force, with effect from July. 6. ||* 1936.” W

Messing Sub Lieut. Kitbee,

Cadet Merriman. Wines: Sub: Leut, Dudley, Cadet

Cockle.wrz

(7) Standing Orders Coples of Standing Orders dated June 6, 1936 are ready at the Town Omce, Tor distribution to omcers of the Force.

“JC, M. GRENHAM

Lentenant Executive Omcer (Ang.)

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