State Helps Aviation

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 643, 20 April 1929, Page 8

State Helps Aviation

Prospects for Private Flier

PRIVATE flying in New Zealand will be markedly encouraged by the endorsement by the Prune Minister of a policy of steady aviation development as a measure of defence. , For the private flier, however, as well as for the State, progress in aviation in this country is not yet a cheap proposition.

| ) EVELOPMENT in flying in Auckland has been so rapid that few realise the extent to which this fascinating business is engaging the attention of clubs and private companies. Coincident with the rapid progress of work at the Hobsonville airdrome for the reception of the new Government planes next month, the 'drome "at Ihumatao has been used extensively for private flying, passenger flights, and for instruction for future pilots. Hobsonville, the Prime Minister has promised, is to be the chief air

centre in the Dominion, although ascording to Sir Joseph Ward’s announcement other provision is to be made for landing grounds, and the steady improvement in the equipment of the now-small unit of national defence —the air force —is to be undertaken.

Presumably this expansion of air activities is to be made at the expense of naval and military defence, because the Prime Minister has said that the gradual change-over will not be more costly to the country than existing defence provisions. The military forces of the Dominion cost annually just on £500,000 to equip and maintain. Purchases, maintenance, and training alone run into £260,000. The upkeep of the New Zealand Division of the Navy drains the Treasury by nearly £450,000, but with debt charges on the battleship New Zealand, and the contribution of £125,000 toward the construction of the Singapore base,

the 1927-28 expenditure on naval defence was a little over £700,000. Already the State is doing a great deal toward the encouragement of civil aviation, possibly with a longsighted view to its own requirements. Every aero club that is formed in New Zealand Is provided with planes in proportion to its numerical strength. The Auckland Club, with a membership of 500, and a pupil list of 70, received two planes from the State, and one from a private donor. In addition, the Government hands over £25 for every pilot turned out at efficiency standard —a generosity wisely inspired by a desire to retain a workable field of reserve pilots. AIR LINE SERVICES Moreover, the Reform Qovernmeut, shortlv before it vacated office last year, had on file a scheme for the institution of an air service between the North Island and the South, tentatively suggested with Wellington and Christchurch as the termini. Commercial interests also are believed to be watching the possibility; of this air line. For the private or amateur aviator —the man who wishes to take the air on Sunday afternoons instead of riming the family saloon car out of the garage—flying is yet costly. At least it is within the realm of luxury, although Its physical dangers have been greatly minimised. COST TO PRIVATE FLIER Here is a thought for the Aucklander who contemplates the investment: — First, he must order the plane—a light machine for preference. with easy controls and the latest safety devices —which will cost from £750 to £BOO. While the plane is coming out from its country of origin, the owner learns to fly, a procedure which, beyond involving a great deal of time, costs about £3O. Lessons last for 15 minutes, and the first pilot’s flying time to qualify is from eight to ten hours. The plane arrives. If the owner does 185 hours, or roughly 15,000 miles' flying in the air, and if the petrol and oil consumption of his machine are five gallons an hour and one pint an hour respectively, he will spend £65 on petrol and oil. Here, then, is the result over and above the cost of the machine and the pilot’s fee: Depreciation at 20 per cent, a year, £130; insurance, £100; landing fees, £4B; contingencies, replacements, inspections, and one top overhaul. £70 —total for maintenance alone, £368. These figures, though based on an English estimate, are analogous to New Zealand. The Aucklander who receives less than £2,000 a year will probably content himself with club membership for a while, but there is no doubt that displays like to-day’s pageant, together with the State's declared policy of assistance, will help to develop the air mind of the people, many of whom still contemplate a flight with considerable apprehension.