CHEAP FLYING

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 969, 12 May 1930, Page 1

CHEAP FLYING

SINGAPORE RATES ARE WORLD’S LOWEST CLUB CAPTAIN’S VISIT The rapid progress in flying at Singapore since the formation of the Singapore Flying Club IS months ago was outlined this morning by Mr. William L. Legge, captain of the club, who arrived in Auckland with liis wife by the •Narbada, on a, world tour. They will spend about three months in the Dominion Mr. Legge is manager of the Singapore office of the Blue Funnel shipping fine, which trades from Australia to England. The Singapore Flying Club is the only one in the world which trains its pupils in seaplanes throughout the course, and is tho only club which uses seaplanes alone. There is no landing ground at Singapore, the nearest airdrome, still under construction by the Royal Air Force, being 16 miles from the city. However, It is used even now by a Dutch air mail and passenger line which plies weekly between Singapore and Batavia, and has been used by several flyers from England to Australia including SquadronLeader Kinksford Smith. Flying at Singapore is almost Impossible for three months of the year during the time when the north-east monsoons are blowing, said Mr. Legge. A very open harbour is the only space available for the Club's use. Probably the cheapest flying In the world is available to Singapore club members. A charge of nine dollars, about a guinea, is made for every hour’s instruction or for the hire of a machine, a pupil generally securing his licence in about 10 to 12 hours. When he qualifies, he is given a present of 100 dollars, thus receiving his training free. This is possible through the large Government subsidy which is paid to the club. In return every member must hold himself in readiness for service for a period of three years, the club officials and machines being always available for use in an emergency. With these terms, it is little wonder that flying has become increasingly popular, the club now containing about 150 members, of which 100 are on the active list. BRITISH MACHINES USED Regulations in Singapore regarding airworthiness are modelled on those of the Air Force in England. Britis.i machines are used by the and the Dutch air mall line is carried on bi Fokker airplanes powered with Bristol engines The R.A.F. squadron numbers only four machines at present—the seaplanes which made the tour of Australia and the East recently It is rumoured, according to Mr Legge. that two squadrons of land machines will be stationed at the Ait Force airdrome as soon as the land ing Iround is completed, probably m about 18 months time. . « , Mr Legge could give no official information regarding the progress of construction at the Singapore naval ££ had been i ke £ i^e e d r^t t, li« l i e m apa" from anf America as fast-ever and t'ne Canary Islands.