MORE PILOTS QUALIFY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 883, 29 January 1930, Page 11

MORE PILOTS QUALIFY

SIX AERO CLUB PUPILS GAIN LICENCES FLYING CONDITIONS BAD A strong, gusty wind and an overcast sky with rain threatening,, were the adverse conditions faced by seven of the Auckland Aero Club’s pupils when they went aloft at the Mangere Airdrome this morning in tests For their pilots’ “A” licence. Only one failed to satisfy Major L. M. Isitt, officer in charges of the Hobsonville Airdrome, who witnessed the fliSlhts and granted the licences. The six successful candidates were Dr. Griffith, Messrs. W. S. Wilson, J. Idwinston, G. N. Owen, E. B. Firth and B. Mclsaacs. This makes a total ot 20 pupils who have gained their A licences since flying started last February. It was shortly after seven o’clock this morning when the ground engineer and his assistants wheeled three of the D.H. Moths from the hangar. They were fuelled and wheeled into line, facing a fair breeze from off the sea. Each engine roared out in its test and was given the O.K. by Lieut. Copley. It was intended to make an early start, as several of the pupils were sailing boats in the regatta today.

Major L. M. Isitt arrived, and was followed soon afterward by about a dozen motor-cars, all bringing pupils and visitors to the ’drome. Shortly before eight o’clock the stage was set. Dr. E. W. Griffith appeared in his full “kit.” and climbed aboard. There was then a strong wind blowing and conditions were far from ideal. He opened the motor out and, facing the wind, soon left the ground and roared aloft. The machine circled and then attained a height of 6,500' feet. From there it commenced to descend and at 4,500 feet the engine was cut-off to make a good landing without starting the engine, well within the distance fixed by Major Isitt. This was the test for altitude and gliding flight. The pupil again soared aloft to take part in what is termed a test of skill. The plane flew round two posts situated 500 yards apart, making a series of flve figure eight turns, each turn reaching one of the two marks. This flight was made at an altitude of no more than 650 feet above the ground and the landing was effected by finally shutting oil the engine as the plane touched the ground and bringing the ms,chine to a stop within a distance of 50 vards of a certain point. Dr. Griffith made a line showing and together with J. Ewington ranked among the besjt of the pupils who took the air. All of those taking part managed to land within the stipulated circle. As each plane went aloft the strong wind did not abate in the least and the performances of the pupils, who have not experienced such conditions since they have been flying, were outstanding under the circumstances. The tests were completed by 11.30 and by that time many cars commenced to arrive for the stunting exhibition to be given by Lieut. D. M. Allan, the club’s chief instructor. Major Isitt spoke highly of the fine performances of the pupils, which reflected considerable credit upon Lieut. Allan and his asssistant, Lieut. lan Keith, who have only been stationed at the airdrome for 10 weeks.