PARIS, Mar. 4—By the simple process of flying over Mount Everest, tallest mountain in the world, M. Callizo, daring French flier, hopes to accomplish what climbers have failed many times to do.
Numerous expeditions have fought their way through the lower recess the Himalayas only to be compelled to turn back when they were within striking distance of the top. The last such expedition ended tragically. Everest is still unconquered—the world’s last rebel.
Callizo holds the world’s altitude record of 39,586 feet, the mark Lieut. MacReady, of the United States army, recently endeavored to better in a test at Dayton, Ohio. Everest is 10,000 feet lower than this, being 29,140 feet above sea level. However, exploring the summit by air is not merely a matter of achieving altitude. That would be simple enough.
It is the fierce winds, eddies and squalls which sweep around the mountain that will give Callizo his greatest trouble. He hopes to overcome them by ascending to a height which will enable him to avoid them. But the expedition will be for naught unless he is able to get near enough to take some pictures, thus enabling scientists to answer some questions about the mountain top that always have been a mystery.
A special plane is now being outfitted for the attempt. Callizo will be accompanied to India by a corps of mechanicians, aerographers and other experts.
France is taking more interest in this expedition, which it hopes Callizo will achieve with glory, than in the various adventures being organized which have as their purpose the aerial exploration of the Arctic.
Brownsville Herald, Brownsville, TX, March 4, 1926