Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-18
BY GEN. ITALO BALBO,
Italian Air Minister.

| 10 ITO Qe JdneHO,
ron has finished its planned flight of
1O,400 kilometers over three continents
and the Mediterranean and Atlantic
Seas If the italian enterprise had
aimed at the establishment of record
or a great sporting event, would have
nothing to add.
The flight was made in perfect forma-
ton, the Atlantic was conquered this
time, not by a single plane. but by a
ocean without interruption Of the
formation by any Of the units of the
flying squadron.
There is something in this Italian
feat that should be considered as bene-
fetal to aviation throughout the world
For this reason believe 1t opportune
to publish a detailed account Of the
experiences Of our squadron.
Losses Under Calculations.
Although plane was lost at Bolama
| Portuguese Guinea, and another was
| rendered useless, the IL other machines
would have attained the goal, had not
stupid accident impeded the twelfth
| when 1t was in plain sight OF the Natal
Harbor. (The plane capsized and was
sunk as it was being towed to Natal
from off the Island of Fernando Do
Noronha, where 1t had been forced
DOWN.
The percentage of losses was far
under the calculations made prior to
the departure.
Our machines showed extraordinary
powers Of resistance and stability. espe-
cially during storm which we met
in our flight, giving proof they were
true air-naval units, capable of cross
ing seas just like any ship with proper
means Of navigation.
I have nothing extraordinary to note
about the flight in the early stages be-
tween Cartagena, Spain; Kenitra, Mo-
rocco; Villa Cisneros, Rio de Orc, and
Bolama; stages of 6, and hours of
regular navigation. / remember sand
clouds abounded in tae neighborhood
of Cabo JUDY, a new element for US.
This was the first Skirmish In the
tropical fight over Africa. Our planes
hsw over those clouds without dificulty.
Take-On Difficult.
But the dramatic, tragic point was
still to arrive. 1t was, as we had FORE
seen, the take-of at night in Bolama,
We faced the trial under especially
difficult conditions. And because of this
we feel certain that our experience was
definitive in its lessons, since we took
on in groups of three in a dark, moon
less night, over waters whose surface
we could not see, over a maritime mir
|
indeed completely blind take-off, de-
pending entirely upon the efficiency Of
the planes and their crews.
The crews in our case responded to
our most optimistic hopes, and no
charge could be made against the crews
OF the planes, which met accident. In
those cases the imponderable factor
which surpaSSeS human courage and will
power should be considered
But the tragedy Law exaeflv in fhfc =
that I could not remain waiting for
more favorable weather without risk
ing the loss of the few last days Of
full moon and thus being forced to de-
lay the flight for more than a month.
AS soon as the planes were lifted by
their own impulse, we fixed the alti-
meters at zero and trusted the pre-
cision of our apparatus. It was i'm
possible to try to steer by landmarks.
Darkness was everywhere. We might
for all we know be at two meters or
at 200 meters over the sea. With the
altimeter we regulated our flight during
the first six hours
Order to Companions.
The lamps hanging from the wings
served to indicate the position of the
other machines, and indicated that the
formation was orderly.
Before taking of we had dumped all
the excess baggage, even the rubber
boats. I had ordered my companions: :
Arrive with the plane or don't ar
rive"
+ The transocean flight would have
presented no interesting features If the
planes had not been forced to maintain
their perfect formation at all times.
That was cur worry from the beginning
TO fly in formation for 18 consecutive
hours means that the motors must not
only rotate perfectly Synchronized, but
that they must be equally eficient.
I am frank to say that If I were to
fly the ocean again would rather do
it three times alone than only once in
strict formation.
The route was kept without error,
thanks to the precision Of the COM
passes. Before departing I had said
that the planes would fly identically as
a steamship sails.
During the flight we proved the ex-
cellence of the new radio models, which
permitted us to keep in constant touch
with ships and with Italy. These weigh
70 pounds, and were constructed to the
design of the Department Of Expert
mental Aeronautics.
Can Be Repeated.
The conclusions are evident. I studied
the motors carefully, and I may say
that they are highly efficient. The
South American stages proved that it
Is possible to establish aerial traffic
over the Brazilian coasts. From Natal
to Bahia the coast offers numerous
good harborS.
Our feat can be repeated by others,
and even improved upon. 1t can be i'm
proved upon by ourselves over other
routes, such as the North Atlantic to
the United States.
The progress of aviation is connect
ed with that of the military and civil
power of peoples. It constitutes its own
propeller in rhythm with contempora-
neous civilization. Italy has faith in
aviation Italy's chief has given to
Italian youth not only wings. but heart
and he beckons us to 60 onward.
(Copyright. 1891. in the United States by
the Associated Press)