This trial run having been accomplished in weather such as would
never have been chosen in the earlier days of rigid trial
flights, those connected with the airship felt that their
confidence in the vessel's capabilities was by no means
exaggerated.

The lift of the ship warranted a greater supply of petrol being
carried than there was accommodation for, and the engines by now
had been "tuned up" to a high standard of efficiency.
Accordingly it was considered that the ship possessed the
necessary qualifications for a transatlantic flight. It was,
moreover, the opinion of the leading officers of the airship
service that such an enterprise would be of inestimable value to
the airship itself, as demonstrating its utility in the future
for commercial purposes.

Efforts were made to obtain permission for the flight to be
attempted, and although at first the naval authorities were
disinclined to risk such a valuable ship on what appeared to be
an adventure of doubtful outcome, eventually all opposition was
overcome and it was agreed that for the purposes of this voyage
the ship was to be taken over by the Air Ministry from the
Admiralty.

Work was started immediately to fit out the ship for a journey of
this description. Extra petrol tanks were disposed in the hull
structure to enable a greater supply of fuel to be carried, a new
and improved type of outer cover was fitted, and by May 29th, R
34 was completed to the satisfaction of the Admiralty and was
accepted. On the evening of the same day she left for her