12,000 Miles To Go -- The Duke of Gloucester holds the flag ready for the exact moment to send the Bea Viscount on its way. Planes competing in the 12,000 miles, London - New Zealand air race took off from London airport today. H.R.H. the duke of Gloucester was the official starter for the race. Before sending the planes off on their long flight, the duke spoke to the crews and inspected the planes. First plane to take off was the K.L.M. Liftmaster, competing in the transport section. October