IN THE AIR

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 232, 23 May 1932, Page 8

IN THE AIR

MARKED GROWTH OF AERO CLUBS IN GREAT BRITAIN. - VIRILITY OF MOYEMENT. Proof of the virility of aviation and of the popularity of flying in Britain is seen in the fact that despite hard times, and in spite of a big reduction from the original subsidies granted to some of the light aeroplane clubs, the total membership of the clubs inereased during the last year from 8000 to 11,700, distributed among 38 clubs, of which 22 are subsidised (states the Air Correspondent of The Observer). Of the 11,700 members, those who fly, or were learning to fly, numbered 5300, and of this total 3484 belonged to subsidised clubs. The figures may suggest the idea' that if some clubs can carry on without subsidies all might do so. But it should be remembered that if the club movement had not at the first been encouraged by grants it would never have grown to its present importance; and the cost of learning to fly would have been twice as much. In fact, the unsubsidised clubs have derived benefits from the all-round re•duction of expenses due to the provision of facilities, bigger output of aircraft and resultant cheapening, and lower manufacturing costs. Even so, the unsubsidised clubs are compelled.. to charge higher rates than the others, and very few are able to get members on this basis. "Airmindedness." The agreement under which the State grants £10 in respect of each flying license obtained by members of subsidised clubs expires on July -31. If the Under Secretary for Air had not in Parliament recently been able to announce that the grants will be continued, but on an amended basis, and on five years' security, after that date many of the clubs would have been faced by the certainty of failure. The value of the clubs lies in prae'tical propaganda, the increase of "airmindedeness," the formatiofi of a big "pool" of pilots of great potential value to the State, and in stimulation of the important aircraft industry and of aircraft design. Already two clubs have taken advantage of a scheme, for which the evcellent management at Brooklands is responsible, by which- management and the supply and maintenance of .aircraft are centralised, so that the clubs have to concern themselves only with local and social arrangements and actual tuition. Thus they obtain The advantage of expert business and technical service and wholesale terms.