Abstract
RECENT long-distance flights have shown that aerial navigation is a practical means of quick transport between distant lands. The long time occupied on the first flight to Australia is no criterion of the possibilities of the future, when the route is better surveyed and adequate aerodromes replete with all facilities are established. Sir Ross Smith recently spoke of six stages, each occupying a day, as a reasonable journey from London to Sydney. Air routes promise to forge a new link in Imperial unity, and to modify to a great extent the geographical relationships of the various parts of the Empire. Until nowthe ocean has been the link between the home country, the Indian Empire, the self-governing Dominions, and other oversea possessions. In that respect the British Isles are centrally situated as regards routes throughout the Empire; but for flying, the position of the home country is less favourable. An uncertain climate characterised by rapid changes of weather and much fog militates against successful aviation. Moreover, land connections in provision of aerodromes are an essential in air routes.
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Imperial Air Routes. Nature 105, 359–360 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/105359a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/105359a0