Mineola, N. Y., Sept. 12 — (AP) — Three days of intensive work were begun today on the Sikorsky biplane, the S-35, in which Captain Rene Fonck hopes to fly to Paris, so that the plane will be ready to hop off by Thursday. No date has been set for the start of the flight, this being contingent on meteorological conditions.
The plane will carry as co-pilot Lieutenant Allen P. Snoddy, and it is understood the other members of the crew will be Alexander P. Kratish, motor mechanic, and Charles Cladier, radio mechanic.
Additional take-off wheels are being placed in the tail, these to be dropped off in flight. Celluloid windows are being installed to eliminate the danger of shattered glass and to lessen the weight of the plane.
Three insulated gasoline tanks of 90 gallons capacity are being installed in the fuselage. The plane is to drop these overboard as their contents are used.
Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME, September 13, 1926
