AIRWAY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 604, 5 March 1929, Page 16

AIRWAY

(Bill

"THE ROC.”)

The Aero Club's drome at ihumatao is proving a regular renQezvoys for Auckland motorists.

3 On Sunday, despite the rough 1 weather conditions which prevailed ; and consequently the fact that no 3 passenger flying was done, quite a : large muster of people were at the ‘ drome viewing the machines. ‘ Owing to the strong wind which ‘ continued throughout the afternoon. Instructor Major Cowper considered it unwise to take any passengers up but rather than disappoint those who had come along, he took one of the Moths up solo for a few minutes to give a neat display of spinning and looping. 22 t i More Care Necessary It is indeed surprising the number of thoughtless individuals who seem to rejoice in aimlessly strolling across the landing ground at Ihumatao when there are planes aloft. Such people do not seem to realise that £1 pilot's View when landing is not absolutely unobstructed and that if the practice continues there is every chance of serious accidents occurring. Further—more, planes are not favoured with a braking system like the lTlOtOl‘-Cal‘. So far the Aero Club has been exceptionally obliging and lenient with the public, but if Visitors to the dron‘ie cannot show some appreciation toward the (club some rule must be brought in barring the public from the ground at all. 1‘ It * Formation Flying As a fitting conclusion to the func—tion last Friday when the "Herald” plane was presented, Blajor G. A. C. Cowper took the air and gave a tine demonstration of stunt flying. Later the Air Survey and Transport Company’s two machines, one piloted by

Mr. Douglas Mill, and the other by Mr. Smith, as well as the Southern Cross Company’s news Blackburn Bluebird, piloted by Lieut. lan Keith, took the air, joining Major Cowper in a demon—stration of formation flying. . :3 l I" Flying Hours Dual instruction is carried out at Iliumutao from Monday to Friday inclusive from 6.30 a.m., to 9.30 a.m., and in the evenings, from 6 o'clock to 7.30. On these days passenger flying is carried on from 10.30 in the morning until mid-day, and from 4 p.m., until 5 p.m. On Saturday and Sundays, the passenger flying hours are from I: p.nl., until 6.30 p.m. All flights are carried out only if the weather is suitable. Passenger flights over longer distances may be obtained by arrangement. 1‘ it it Although hindered by two days of bad weather, Major- Cowper did 13 hours 40 minutes in the air with the club's Moth last week. Of this, 12 hours 10 minutes was occupied in dual instruction and 1 hour 30 minutes in carrying passengers.

Lieut. R. J. Copley The Aero Club is indeed fortunate m securing the services of such an able ground engineer as Lieut. R. J. Copley. His more distinguished ser—vices in connection with aero engineering d a t 0 back to 1914 when he joined the R.F.C.. In 1916 he became a. member of the R.A.F., and. was appointed in charge of the win; repair section. From then on, he

held many important positions and in 1920 became superintendent of aircraft

manufacture in India. as: a:

Mr. L. Anderson is the aero clubs' as—sistant ground engineer and Sergeant— B‘lajor Gent, an ex-Grenadier Guards man. is employed at the drome on Saturdays and Sundays. 4: s: a Model Airplane Club “The Roe" has received the first edition of the official journal of the New Zealand Model Airplane Club. The editor, Mr. E. I. Maclaren, has indeed compiled an interesting journal which should prove a. sufficient draw card for those interested in model aircraft construction to join the club. The first general meeting of the N.Z.11.A.C. was held at the end of last year and already the club is favoured with a large membership, two of which are ex-Air Force members. “The Roc” intends to publish in these columns all matters of interest concerning this newly-formed club and those who wish to communicate with Mr. niaciaren are invited to do so at the following address: “Hinemoa,” Forbes Street. Onehunga. .

Christchurch News At the VVig‘ram ’drome, the Air Force cadets are about to finisl. up for this year. They have all done well. The annual refresher courses lor the Air Force reserve commence at VVig—ram next Thursday. Captain J. L. Findlay is flying 311‘. T. MC. \Vilford, Minister of Defence, from Christchurch to Blenheim next Friday, in the Dll3O. . Although Christchurch people should in reality have much better airminded—ness than most other New Zealanders. they have been inclined to show cold feet over the proposal of forming an nero club. So far the Canterbury Aero Club has actually been formed. but from the meagre support it has had to date it is not likely that it will function for some time. It i! it World's Records Latest reports show that Germany and the United States hold equally be« tween them 60 of the 106 established world records for balloons, airships. airplanes, light planes and seaplanes. The remaining records are divided among seven other countries. Here is the official score:— Germany, 32: United States. 3:1: France, 20: Italy. 8: Great Britain, 6: Czecho-Slovakia, 3; Hungary, 2: Switzerland, 2; Belgium, 1: total, 106. But since the British Air liinistry has indicated that it is interested in the 'record figures, it is more than a possibility that England will this year attain a. higher position on the ladder.