Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-03-27
BRITISH PLANES OFF
To BEAT j. 6. filters
AROUND THE WORLD

CALSHOT, England, March Is
Britain's effort to beat America in
the first airplane flight around the
world started today.
At 1903 this afternoon Command
err Stuart MacLaren, first of the
three British flyers to get under way,
took off from here for Lyons, France,
on the first leg of the long air
journey.
The high wind had abated and
visibility was good.
Commander MacLaren made a
preliminary test flight and found
his engine functioning perfectly. He
decided, however, to throw out some
Of his supplies Of heavy spare parts.
The commander then took the air
flying low and fast toward the
French coast.
King George babe the flyer God
speed"
Il shall watch your progress with
the greatest interest and wish you
luck" the British sovereign wired.
Lord Thompson. British air min
ister was present at the start, al
though the attempt is unofficial and
government.
II know that only superhuman
efforts can prevent your success
the minister told MacLaren.
The flight today was to be to
Lyons, France, 453 miles, which the
airmen hoped to cover in six hours.
The airmen plan on making the
entire trip in about 292 flying hours.
n u
India, April Z; Toxic, April 2S Van
couver. May II; Ottawa, June and
be back in London by June %.
1--WE hope to make an average of
three to five hundred miles a day."
Commander MacLafen said.
The airmen are using a special
amphibian machine, with a land
under-c carriage which, during the
flight, will be drawn up above the
keel.
The combination land or water
machine will permit many descents
which otherwise would be impos-
sible, the airmen believe.
MacLaren, commander of the
flight, is 81 years of age and an
experienced flyer. He Joined the
British air forces at the outbreak of
the World war as a mechanic, learn
ed to fly in France and subsequent
ly served in Egypt where he won
the military cross in 1916 for con
spicuous gallantry" Later he was
awarded the distinguished flying
cross and the air fol &c cross"
Flying Officer w. n. Plenderleith
second in command, served during
the war under MacLaren until he
was wounded. Later he specialized
in night flying over London. He is
% years old.
Sergeant Andrews, third member
Of the party, served as an air me-
chaniC during the war. He is "a.
U. S. PLANES OVERHAULED
FOR LONG SEA HOP
SEATTLE, Wash, March rs
Four United States army air cruisers
on a globe encircling flight, now be-
ing converted from airplanes to sea-
planes in preparation for the
next lap that will take them
to Prince Rupert, 3. c., next week,
will be swung onto pontoons to-
morrow and moored to buoys in Lake
Washington.
Major F. L. Martin, commander
of the squadron, and mechanicians
have completed inspection of the
steering gear of the flagship. The
motor of plane number two, piloted
by Lieutenant Lowell Smith, has
been thoroughly overhauled. Minor
repairs have been made on the wings
of Lieutenant Erie Nelson's plane
and Lieutenant Leigh Wade has fin
ished installing a new engine in the
cruiser he piloted from Santa Monica,
Cal, the starting point of tie $4,000
mile trip.
Twenty-Five flying machines will
take part in an aerial exhibition
Saturday in honor of the world
fGerS