New Britain herald., 1928-09-04
PLIERS IN
 MYSTERY FLIGHT
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Commandant Weiss said if the wind was unfavorable at the Azores the plane would probably go down to Dakar presumably for . jump across the Atlantic from there. al- though that feat was never in their plans before.
 Leave at 7:Oi A. M.
 The Canary Bird took off at 7:O4 a. m. It developed splendid speed, pilots of the military escort planes said when they returned to Paris They had intended to follow the transatlantic flyers to the sea but turned back 80 miles from Le Bour- get because they could not keep the pace of l15 miles an hour the Ca- nary Bird set.
 In contrast with the proceeding three other mornings when they were scheduled to start, everything went off like clockwork from the successful smuggling aboard of their passenger and packer. Armand Lotti. to the takeof. The Canary Bird succeeded in getting off the ground before it was half way down the field. The plane circled north- ward, disappeared in the mist and field. after which the flyers turned south" est
 LOtti On Board
 Lotti, who is the son of a well known Paris hotelman, not wishing his parents to know he intended to fly, had attempted to conceal his identity. Yesterday morning, how ever. when an unsuccessful attempt was made to start he was obliged tc alight from the plane before the crowd and was recognized. Since then he has been afraid to go home and he slept all night in the hangar beside the plane.
 Lotti climbed aboard the machine before 1t was wheeled out and re. mained under heap of rags during the preparations. Just prior to thu start mechanics forgot he was hid. pile of provisions, coats and instru ments on him. He was ever trampled on somewhat, but he die not emerge from his hiding place until the machine started down tho runway. Then Lotti was seer through the windows fighting of the stirling bags and rushing to tht window to get air.
 Lefevre Is Navigator
 Lcfevre will serve as navigator or the flight and Assolant will do mos of the pilotins. They appeared o1 the field well before starting tim' and merely slipped sweaters ove their street clothes. Assolant wor, a canary yellow sweater.
 After the plane had left experts a I.e Bourget said that the airriei might be obliged to land at DaAa to refuel since the last minut change of plans might have fount them without enough gasoline fo the South American hop.
 Bright Yellow Plane
 The Canary Bird is bright yelloy with tri-color bands around the bod | IA stork, the badge of their squad ron, is painted on each side of tn fuselage. The monoplane is Der nard. It is equipped with a singl 6o0 horsepower Hispano Suiz motor. No wireless is being carrie since the generators were found t slow down the speed.
 The provisions aboard the plan were sandwiches, roast beef, tw cold chickens, a number of banana mineral water, four bottles of cham pagne and hot and cold coffee.
 Both Bachelors Assolant and Lcfevre are bot bachelors, being B and 25 years ol espectively. They belong to tn S4th air regiment Although sai to be subject to air sickness they ar brilliant, skilled and experience airmen. Assoiant served in the Ri war with distinction and was twic commended in dispatches and decor ated with the military medal an was cross. Both have creditabl records for long distance fyinl They were members of the crew the plane commanded by Colon' Anthoinat which sought to unit Paris and Indo-China by air. Tht expedition was interrupted. howeve on account of difficulties raised b Turkish authorities.
 New York. Sept. 12 LP-The pull licity firm of Gillespie and Kustere received a cable from their Par representative today announcing ths the French plane Canary Bird wa headed for Mitchell field, Long 1slan and expected to make non-sto flight in about 40 hours. Dispatcht from Le Bourget had indicated ths the plane might go to New York South America.
 "Assolant, Le Fevre and Levy the cable read. left 7:20 Paris tim Assolant carrying letter for you. AT ticipating 70 hours flying time more. Please make reception al engagements at Mitchell field"