TRICK FLYING

Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1931, Page 5

TRICK FLYING

IMLOT CONVICTED, OFFENCE OVER TOWN. HAMILTON, July 30. A plea of guilty was entered to-day by Robert Ray 'Money, air pilot-, at the Hamilton Court, to a charge of trick flying over Hamilton. Senior-Sergeant' Sweeney said that on a recent Saturday afternoon Money performed a number of evolutions, including looping the loop, over the town. He seemed to be Hying at a good height at the time. Mr W. J. King, for the Department, said Money was a skilled pilot, but he was under the apprehension that he could do trick Hying anywhere so long as he was at a height of at least 2000 ft. On this occasion he was Hying at an altitude of 2800 ft. There was the- additional fact that a high westerly wind was blowing at the time and had anything gone wrong with the engine while over the town the wind was sufficiently strong to have enabled him 'to land six miles beyond the town. The magistrate, Mr Wvvern Wilson, pointed out that most aerial accidents in New Zealand had occurred, not through engine trouble, but through damaged wings. However, he would accept defendant's explanation and fine Ivm only 40s. He must understand, however, that trick Hying was absolutely prohibited over towns or populated areas.