MAZE’S SPARTAN

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1929, Page 7

MAZE’S SPARTAN

’PLANE’S LONG RANGE. RECORD FOR LIGHT MACHINE. AUCKLAND, April 24. The Spartan aeroplane in which Mr Frank Maze, the Auckland airman, pro. p.ses to make a- flight from England to Christchurch, is the product of the youngest aircraft manufacturing firm in England, Simmonils Aircraft Ltd. The fundamental characteristic of the machine is its comprehensive interchangeability (simplicity by reduction jf spares). Any of the main planes nmy be fitted into any wing joint, top or bottom, port or starboard. The rudder can be changed with either ol the elevators, the fin with the outer section of the tail piano, which is designed in three sections, and finally all main bracing wires are of the same size and length.

its main construction is wood. The two cockpits are spacious and neatly upholstered, with the luggage compartment behind the rear cockpit is particularly roomy. It lias an extension beneath the fairing for lengthy objects like golf sticks.

The neat clean finish of the machine with aluminium paint seems to have improved its lines. The A.D.C. Cirrus Mark 111. engine is neatly cowled. A Fairey metal airscrew is fitted.

The Spartan, in a demonstration al Croydon, had a top speed of 105 miles an hour and a stalling speed of 37 miles. To demonstrate the reliability of this type of ’plane, Air W. H. R. Banting, with Lieutenant-Colonel A. Strange as passenger, made a non-stop flight from London to Berlin in Thr. lOmin, a record for the light ’plane class with passenger aboard. The return flight was made by the same raacniiii* in a little under six hours. About 501 b of luggage was carried, and nearly fifty gallons of petrol were taken. The mean average consumption was fifteen gallons, so that the range of the Spar, tan is considerable. This type can he loaded with 20001 b of material and is used for very long range work. On the return from the flight LieutenantColonel Strange said that the ’plane had enough petrol for another 400 miles, which proved, as they had hoped, that the modern light aeroplane of this type has a range (lor two people and half a hundredweight of luggage) of at least 1000 miles, non-stop.

IIIS MACHINE WRECKED. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

LONDON, April 26

Mase wired that he regretted he had to make a forced landing at Roanne. France, hut getting off again the engine cut out, and he hit a fence and trees and turned completely over, the machine being wrecked and his face cut, but nothing serious. FOILED THREE TIMES. (Received this duv at f 1.30. n.m.) PARIS, April 27. Engine trouble caused Mase to make a forced landing at Commelle. He tried to resume the flight, but then he fouled a tree, and crashed into a ploughed field. The machine is seriouslv damaged. Mase suffered slight injuries. His continuance o<f the flight is improbable. Mase’s forced landing was made near a level crossing on the Roanne-Sainte Tienne railway line. Mase spent ninety minutes testing the machines, and then he flew off, but trees then brought the machine down into a deeply sloping cornfield. Mase again set off, but then he struck an embankment, and completely overturned. Mase was caught in the cockpit with his head hanging down hut some workmen hastily released him. Mase entrained for Lyons in the morning. INJURY TO MACHINE.

(Received this dav at. 9. a.mA LONDON, April 27

Further examination of Mase’s machine indicate the damage is not as serious as was feared. The engine and fuselage are almost unaffected. The machine is being transported to England where it is believed it will be possible to effect repairs in a fortnight, after which Mase will reconsider the question of resuming his 'Tight.