LIGHT AIRPLANE CLUBS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 324, 9 April 1928, Page 8

LIGHT AIRPLANE CLUBS

THERE is now every likelihood that, following on the practical approval of the Government, a light airplane club will he formed in Auckland and also in other centres of the Dominion. Cabinet has decided to arrange at once for the purchase of eight Moth planes, four of which are to he issued on loan, two to a club in Auckland and two to Christchurch, the remaining four to he used as training machines at the 'Wigram airdrome. There can be little doubt that the enterprise of Mr. D. Mill, in importing a light plane and in successfully demonstrating the abilities of this type of machine in flights over Auckland and to the South, had considerable influence ‘on the determination arrived at by the Government, and for this Mr. Mill has earned the thanks of those who desire to see flying fostered in New Zealand. Following the wonderful flight made by Hinkler from England to Australia in his Moth, the local manoeuvring of a light plane clinched New Zealand opinion as to its possibilities. People in England have enthusiastically supported the light airplane clubs movement, and hundreds go for their daily spin with as little fuss as the motorist makes in taking- an outingin his car. It is an excellent scheme for training pilots; and a condition of Government support is that each club must have a roll of at least 30 members who are prepared, to qualify for certificates. The clubs, of course, will be under the supervision of the Defence Department, which will allow a grant of £SOO a year for training, to be absorbed at the rate of £25 for each member who qualifies. This will enable a club to put through 20 pilots a year if that number offers, and if the aircraft and equipment be insufficient to meet the demand for instruction, the Defence Department will issue an additional airplane. It is a modest start, hut it is at least something definite and practical.