BENEATH THE WINDSOCK

Evening Star, Issue 22465, 9 October 1936, Page 2

BENEATH THE WINDSOCK

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BAN ON “FLYING FLEAS.”

At least five small aeroplanes, some of the Hying flea type, have been built in Christchurch and nearby districts and are ready to fly, but their owners arc prohibited by the Government from taking them into the air (states the Christchurch ‘Press’)- The reason for this prohibition is that the machines were not built by qualified ground engineers, but the owners claim that experts have inspected most of tile machines and have found no reason why they should not be flown. They are determined they should be allowed to take the air.

Representations to the Government arc being made at the moment by the Canterbury Pou-du-Cicl and Light Aircraft Club, whose secretary, Mr IV. A. Hopkins, stated that the builders of these light craft could make some definite contribution to tho progress of aviation jn the Dominion, and asked for the right to fly and for greater encouragement. Mr Barnard Owen, with Mr A. Jackson, has just completed a machine which he will call the synchro flying machine, built on the flying ilea design, with features of Mr Owen’s own invention included. Mr Owen said yesterday that ho fully intended to fly his craft, and that if necessary a petition to tho Government would be organised. He wanted an exhibition of aircraft built by amateurs, to -which the Ministers of the Crown could be invited. There was no doubt whatever that the builders had a lot to offer, and that no Government could rightly refuse them recognition. “It is all very well for the authorities to frown on the amateur aircraft builders,” Mr Owen said, “ but the whole science of aviation itself owes its existence to amateurs who experimented at great cost to tliemselves and under strong fire of ridicule; We are in the same position. We definitely have something to offer, as exjierts have admitted. The authorities in all parts of the world have been dvyifr on the amateur for their ideas, and without him they will get nowhere. “ What we want is permission to test out our inventions, if necessary nudes the supervision of appointed officials. As it is, the law prevents us from doing so. What 1 hope to see some day is an arrangement by which keen young men may be allowed guidance and assistance from tho Government officials, and instruction and assistance may be given in every school of any size. Young men who may have a great deal to offer the country are having their enthusiasm stifled, and wo can never hope under such conditions to produce an inventor in New Zealand.” Not long after Mr Owen' built his machine, with the invention of his own incorporated, it was' announced that the French flying flea expert, Mignet, had introduced a similar feature which was universally recognised. Tho aeroplane Mr Owen and Mr Jackson have built incorporates his synchronisation feature, and is therefore different, and. Air Owen claims, safer than the Hying flea. He said yesterday that it was only a crude adaptation of his invention, because of lack of sufficient resources, but he was confident of success. Mr Owen’s idea is that tho machines should all be assembled at a special exhibition and shown to the Ministers, who could see for themselves and have reports from experts on their merit. The builders had every right to fly their craft, and he intended to do all he could to see that permission was obtained.

IMPORTANCE OP AERO CLUBS. The important contribution to the defence of New Zealand likely to he made by the aero clubs, in view of the Ministerial statement that aircraft were regarded as the first arm of defence in the Dominion, was commented upon recently by Mr L. W. Swan, secretary of the Auckland Aero Club.

In stressing the necessity for a reserve of pilots, Mr Swan pointed out that 140 fliers had been trained in Auckland, and that the total number trained by the II subsidised clubs would be nearly 1,000. This was a substantial nucleus of a force of pilots, who would require little time to fit themselves for the defence of their country. There were also others who could give service in an emergency. •The provision of adequate machines for training purposes was discussed by Mr Swan. "He said that the aeroplanes at present in use for training did not differ in the main principles from the more modern types. Thus, pupils were afforded the means of developing their flying ability to a stage where no great time would be required to prepare them for defence service, once _ suitable machines were available. Simultaneously, pupils could embark on a study of aircraft, engines, air navigation, and meteorology, a knowledge of_which was necessary for later examinations. The aero club movement was instituted eight years ago, Mr Swan concluded. The Government had subsidised clubs to a limited extent by issuing aircraft and assisting pupils between certain ages. The clubs, apart from crcatbm a reserve of pilots, bad since done much in spreading air-mindediiess through the Dominion.

DOC Fanciers. Aulscbrook’s Doy Biscuits. 31b hag; Puppy Biscuits; Strung Chains, 7d; Condition Powder, etc. —Fraser and Sons.