The projected service to Shanghai is so interesting, not to say dramatic, a departure that the details of the plan will be of public interest. The only objection to such a service is that the existence of first-class communication by rail makes it rather superfious. On the other hand the aviation authorities as a commencement have chosen the easiest route they could find in order to demonstrate with the least possible delay the feasibility of flying services in general. The fact that the railway is there makes the route easy to follow, and simplifies the position for passengers, mails and the aeroplanes in the event of a forced descent. Owing to the absence of mountains flying is easier along this route than any other perhaps to be found in China. Along it there are already several suitable open spaces for aerodromes, while emergency landing places are easily arranged. Meteorological stations already existing at each end will furnish pilots with valuable inforuiation as to weather conditions. And another small advantage is that as the route follows he rails and telegraphs, wireless on the aeroplanes can be dispensed with. All these considerations have led to the selection of the Shanghai route as a beginning, for the main object is to prove that flying is a safe and speedy means of communication. More useful and necessary services will follow after confidence has been established.
Drraits oF THE SCHEME, The intention is to divide the route into three stages, Tsinanfu, 245 miles; Nanking 360; and Shanghai 180, altogether a total of 785 miles. In addition stops will be made at Tientsin and Hsuchowfu for mails and passengers. At all of these places there will he regular aerodromes with accommodation for machines and a small staff of mechanics, ete. Throughout the route there will be eight emergency landing places where pilots can obtain petrol and oil, and telegraph in emergency. The whole journey including stops 4 will take nine hours. It sounds almost too good to be true, but
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.