FLYING IN N.Z.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1928, Page 5

FLYING IN N.Z.

.MACHINES ANT) PILOTS

COMMANDER BYRD’S OPINION

WELLINGTON, November lfi

Commander R. E. Byrd is one of the world’s great aviation apostles. He had some interesting remarks to offer to-day on what types of aircraft lie thought were best suited to flying conditions in New Zealand. “ It is rather difficult for me to say what would he the best type of aeroplane to use in this country.” lie said. “ 1 have not flown over your terrain and am not 'familiar with your condi-

tions. but from what 1 have been told 1 am inclined to believe that because of the scarcity of landing fields an aeroplane which could take advantage of your natural landing places—the sea, bays, and lakes—would be the ideal machine for commercial use. In a country where there are many mountains, frequent winds, and few fields, even a three-motored aeroplane would be subjected at times to danger in the event of a 'forced landing. A large Hying boat, -seaplane, or amphibian, which may be landed either on land or water, seems to me the natural type of machine to use. Lhe twin or multicoloured amphibian, which could be set down safely on any lake or harbour, would furnish comparatively safe transport, and it is possible at present to find a machine of this type which will Hv on one of its motors if the others are cut out. Safety is an absolute essential to commercial flying, and a ’plane which does not offer the greatest factor of safety is a detriment, rather than an aid to aviation. As to small sport ’planes, there are many good types, and I should say that a reliable motor and sturdy construction are the two great essentials, whethei a monoplane or a biplane is used. In addition to these requirements there should be a good school for amateur pilots so that adequate training might ,he assured. Ten hours in the air does not make a pilot. Every new pilot should have forty hours off instruction, and after a few hundred hours more in the air he may learn to fly-”