Douglas daily dispatch., 1926-12-19

visablc and arrangements probably
VIII be made to stop at Guayaquil
in Ecuador This route forms a long
loop from San Antonio to Washing
ton, d. c., which officials hope will
draw the American nations closer to
gether.
The Looming amphibian planes:
which will make the flight are
ideally suited, army officials believe
for use in the island possessions of
the United states and they expect
that the Pan-American tour will of
fer an Indication as to what could
be expected of the planes in such
service.
A large central pontoon, which
contains wheels that can be extend
ed for alighting on land, are the
most unique feature of the machines.
SO equipped they are able to go any
place where there is a fair-sized
body Of water, or plain large enough
for a landing on earth. Each plane
is equipped with v type inverted
Liberty motor and q three -bladed pro-
pellor The single motor is expected
to give much less mechanical trou-
bic than would the twin motors used
in many flying boats At the same
time 1t gives the plane large cruss-
ing radius, since sufficient gasoline
for almost 1000 miles can be carried
as well as $50 pounds of luggage
or supplies.
Paraohutes, emergency rations anc
their own ability to carry off
guards against disaster
Radios will not be carried on any
Of the planes, in order to make more
room for gasoline, and the route will
mot be protectedWfth a convoyiof ships.
When the flight leaves one town IT
will be on it's own until it can reach
it's next stopping place. In case
one of the planes is lost the re-
naming pilots will search for it,
if conditions permit and boats will
be sent to look for it as soon as
possible, but the pilot who is forced
down upon the water will probably
face a very disagreeable experience
In the absence of radios, Major
Herbert A. Dargue will transmit all
of his orders while the flight is
aloft, by means of rockets, hand
signals, the maneuvers of his plane
or message written on the wings of
his craft. Special pistols containing
colored rockets will be used for Sig.
mailing.
Should the majors plane be forced
down, Captain A. B. Mcdaniel, who
flys just to the majors right in.
the v formation, will move up to the
apex of the flight and take co>l-
mand.
The planes are constructed with
view to-. carrying a maximum
weight at maximum speed, and,
while they are seaworthy and can
stand great deal of buffeting by
the waves, they are not comfortable
vehicles in the water during rough
weather. They are short and stubby
and the pilots, should one be forced
down, in rough water, would probably
have to take a drenching before ne.
could be rescued. High waves are
likely to dampen the ignition and
shut off the engine in which case
there is danger that the plane viii
lose Roadway and fall into the trough
Of the seas.
The lightest and perhaps most i'm
portant piece of equipment which the
flyers will carry is a tiny container
filled with liquid food. The fliers
will carry their meals with. them
on each hop, but the container OF
liquid food will not be opened unless
the flyer is marooned on the sea,
or the desert. Beside the emergency
ration each will be equipped with
a special first aid kit made up espe-
cially for use in the tropics.
LOVE WISE