FLYING IN CHINA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 276, 11 February 1928, Page 13

FLYING IN CHINA

AIRPLANES TO THE FORE SCOPE FOR CIVIL FLYING The present disturbed stale of China is bringing the airplane more and more to the fore in that country, and it is only natural that the already much harassed Chinese populace, some 500 millions in all, does not view such aerial activities with any satisfaction, writes Walter Buckler, in the December number of ’Airways.” But Chinese “wars” are by no means such gory affairs as we know them to be. There is not that same great loss of life, nor that complete disruption of trade, which, in China, proceeds on its usual course everywhere else except in the '‘battle** area, and often even there. Airplanes with Chinese pilots do not constitute very dangerous Instruments of war, except in the event of their having to make a forced landing, or when throwingbombs or shooting, for their aim is extraordinarily inaccurate. There are at present about 250 planes in use in various parts of China. All are of foreign make, the majority Deing of French origin, whilst there are also a number of British and German machines used. According to the Arms Embargo agreement which came into effect in 1819, Great Britain, America, France, Japan. Italy (with reservations), and other nations, agreed to restrain their subjects from exporting to or importing into China arms and munitions pt war and materials destined exclusively for their manufacture, “until there is a united Chinese Government for all China. Machines and other airplane equipment, however, still continue to enter China, being Imported for “commercial purposes only.” Imported Airplanes Airplanes imported into China “for commercial purposes” Invariably find their way eventually to the various Tuchuns (Provincial Governors), who bought them—directly or indirectly, generally the latter—and who had no serious intention of turning them to commercial use, but wanted them in their “wars.” Every Tuchun in China is now anxious to possess a number of airplanes, and foreign experts are em - ployed at some of the best equipped airdromes. The War Lord of the North, Marshal Chang Tso-lin, heads the list, with the largest number of best-equipped machines and several foreign Instructors to train Chinese airmen. Canton also has its aviation department and possesses a number of Curtiss machines. At one time the airdrome outside Peking displayed considerable flying activity, Vickers Vimy, and Handley-Page passenger p’ianes being used besides French Caudrons and Breguets. Tsinanfu (Shauntung Province), an important trading and military centre, will soon have a large airdrome, which the Tuchun at that province is having built with the aid of foreign experts. There is little doubt that every Provincial Governor in China will soon own a few planes, at least to “make a show,” which goes a long way In. China, and is often as effective as actual fighting. As regards commercial flying,, an attempt was made some years ago to organise several services, but with the keen demand for machines from the militarists, they came to nought. Construction of Soaplanes The construction of seaplanes was also essayed at Foochow, an Important seaport in South China, but this also was unsuccessful, though German experts were employed. Nevertheless, as soon as China settles down to a more normal state (there is always a “war” in progress between one province and another), there will be unlimited scope in that field for commercial aviation. The country is of vast area, distances are great, and communications are still restricted to primitive 18-Jiods. that airplanes should be of great help in opening the less accessible parts of the interior to commerce and relations with the outside world. The Chinese can be trained to make fairly good pilots. They are courageous (though not in the firing line), cool, but as reliable mechanics they are at present useless, though extensive training and close supervision" might remedy the latter weakness. - - The Chincise military pilot has not yei displayed any particular brilliance, and it is doubtful whether he will ever become expert in modern warfare, Chinese ideas of aerial warfare are on the same plane as land and sea warfare; and Chinese “wars” are more often settled by hard cash and intrigue rather than on the battlefield or in the