Notes

Abstract

THE Atlantic has not yet been spanned by aircraft, although two aeroplanes are reported as ready for the eastern flight, and at present are only waiting quieter and more favourable conditions in mid-Atlantic. Towards the close of last week much snow fell at St. John's, Newfoundland, rendering a start at that time impossible, but the weather conditions had become favourable for landing over the British Isles, and have continued so for some days, the weather during Easter being remarkably fine and clear. The Times for the early days of the present week shows by the bulletins of the weather conditions along the Atlantic course issued by the Air Ministry that the barometric pressure has been very high both over the British Isles and in Newfoundland; but, although the weather is fine and the winds are light, there is much fog over Newfoundland, extending eastward so far as 43° W. longitude. In central Atlantic the barometric pressure is lower than on either side, and the fog, together with the winds, “constitute unfavourable conditions for the flight.” If the Air Ministry intends to say when the conditions in mid-Atlantic are favourable—and from the daily bulletins given there is an inference that it does—the Ministry undertakes a great responsibility. It commonly happens that with similar weather conditions to those now prevailing on either side of the Atlantic storm-areas are developed in mid-Atlantic, and follow a more northerly track than usual, drifting towards Greenland or Iceland. Before a start is made under present conditions it would, therefore, be worth while to consider the advantage of following a fairly southerly route, striking northwards on approaching the eastern side of the Atlantic. This would probably lengthen the distance somewhat, but it might lessen the chance of falling in with a storm.