London, July 6.
Fresh aviation history was made today when experimental flights across. the Atlantic in opposite directions, expected to be the prelude to a regular commercial air service, ended successfully, The two machines which took part in the tests. the 18-ton flying-boat Caledonia belonging to Imperial Airways and a giant Sikorsky machine belonging to Pan-American Airways, arrived safely at their respective destinations within a few minutes of each other.
The American machine, commanded by Capt Harold Gray was carrying a crew consisting of a first officer, a navigator, two engineers, a radio operator and a clerk.
The Sikorsky covered an estimated distance of 1,960 miles at an average: peed of 156 miles an hour, and the Caledonia; which passed over the Newfoundland coast at 520 p.m. Shanghai time, covered a distance of 1,990 miles at an average speed of 132 miles an hour, The British plane had to face almost a constant head wind during its trip. It was also slightly hindered by mist.
An extremely warm welcome was accorded the Americans on their arrival at Foynes. Among those waiting to greet them were Mr. Eamonn de Valera, President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State; Mr. Sean Lemass, Ministewept Industry and Commerce; officials of the British Air: Ministry and Imperial Airways, and crowd of Some hundreds.
New York, July 6.
It was a pleasant and enjoyable trip, declared Capt, Gray, and at no time did they experience ' any difficulty. "We had following wind," he added.
Both planes were in touch with land throughout the flight by, means of radio-telephony.
Despite the early hour, Mr. de Valera was among those present io bid the crew farewell and to wish them good luck when the Caledonia took off, from Foynes, The crew of the flying-boat included the commander, Captain Wil-cock son, a first officer, Mr. Bowes, and two radio operators, Hobbs and Valette—Reuter, te
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.