PILOT SUSPENDED

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1931, Page 4

PILOT SUSPENDED

BREACH OF CLUB RULES. AEROPLANE FLOWN UNDER REQUIRED HEIGHT. AUCKLAND, January ID. The inquiry regarding the low flying of an aeroplane over Milford Beach on Sunday, January 4, was concluded by the committee of the AucklanT? Aero Club to-night. The committee decided to suspend the pilot concerned from flying for fourteen days, and it imposed a line of £5 which is the maximum line lor a breach oi the clubs regula tioiis. It was alleged that the aeroplane was flown dangerously low to the ground and its manoeuvres were the subject of complaints by a number of bathers. The pilot was identified and investigations were made by the club The inquiry was opened by the committee last .Monday, the evidence being heard in camera. Judgment was suspended until to-night and opportunity was given to the pilot concerned to advance an explanation. The committee issued the following statement“ After considering the evidence the committee is of opinion that the reports originally supplied to the press were exaggerated. However, the pilot committed a breach ot t'ne club’s regulations by flying under the required height in that area, and the committee suspends the pilot from flying for fourteen days and imposes a line of £5 in accordance with the rules of the club. The committee hopes that this will be a warning to all pilots that the flying regulations must be strictly obeyed and intimates that future breaches will be dealt with more severely.”