The sun., 1919-05-14
EXPECT PLANES
TO TRY FLIGHT
OVERSEE TO-DAY
Naval Crews at Trepassey
Have Everything Aboard
and Await Word.
FAIR WEATHER PROMISED
Commander Towers May Give
Orders This Morning for
Start to Azores.

TREPAssEY. n. F., May 13.-Com-
mander John H. Towers, who is in
command Of the American Navy's
seaplanes which will attempt the
flight to Europe, would not state def
nitely tonight whether the NC-1 and
the NC-3 would scoot Off tomorrow
on the next leg Of their overseas
journey. the flight to the Azores But
reports received at fight headquarters
tonight from the cruisers and the de-
stroyers stationed along the route in
dicate that weather conditions would
be favorable for flying, and in that
event there is little doubt that the
start will be made. Commander
Towers has said several times that the
planes will get away just as soon as
the weather permits.
Newspaper correspondents were
told tonight that when the decision
to start is made the fiiers will get
away with but few moments notice,
as everything is in readiness for the
flight. The planes have been packed
with all the load they will carry and
only last minute tasks remain to be
done. 1t was learned, however, that
one indication Of impending departure
would be the mooring Of the NC-1 to
the stern of the supply ship Prairie
and the NC-3 to the stern of the mine
layer Aristook in order that steam
from the vessels may be run through
the oil supply tanks of the seaplanes
,, to heat their lubricants. 1t was found
on the trip from Rockaway that the
oil is inclined to CONCEAL, and If the
| motors are started while the air is
| cold 1t is feared that the bearing will
burn out.
Just where the seaplanes will actually
| take the air will not be known until
| they start. II the water is rough in
the outer bay they will take Off in the
harbor, as the waves might be of suffi-
| cient strength outside to smash the frai
! hulls Of the flying ships. fairly stiff
! wind is needed. however. to lift tn,
| heavily laden craft from the surface oi
the water. Both the planes. IL was an
nounced tonight, will carry regulation
ships logs, and the flight is expected
to contribute important information anC
data to aeronautics, as conditions en-
countered on the various legs of tn,
journey will be entered at regular inter
vals. In addition to their other burdens
the NC-1 will carry along as mascot {
young fox which Lieut.. Commander Bel
| lirger expects to reach here tomorrow
| from st. Johns.
The commander of the American
guardship fiotilla here has received or
ders from the Navy Department a
Washington to keep the destroyers alonl
the coast on the lookout for the NC-4
which is awaiting favorable weather Il
fly from Chatham to rejoin the othe
two planes here. The destroyer Edward
Is due tomorrow with a dozen sea
plane propellers, and 1t is understood
that she will continue on to St John
| with a dirigible balloon engine. pre-
sumably for the big blimp. the c-5.
II Is uncertain whether the NC
which was detained at Chatham. Mass
after having engine trouble on the mrs
leg OF the flight from Rockaway. wi
make the start with the other plane!
1t will depend on the amount OF over
hauling necessary, even though sh
would reach here before the others hav
gone. Should she require general re
pairs before she Is ready for the fiigh
II is not believed the others will wait 70
her. II is expected that Lieut. Com
mander Read will try to drive his ma
chine here without stopping at Halifa'