BUSINESS BY AIR.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 370, 26 February 1937, Page 5

BUSINESS BY AIR.

Wellington Man Purchases Private Machine.

Press Association—Copyright. Wellington, To-day.

A Miles Whitney Straight lowwing monoplane has been brought by Mr Harold Edwards, Wellington, for use in his business as a builder and contractor. Mr Edwards has contracts in many parts of the country requiring his personal inspection and supervision, and he will use the aero plane for quick travel from town to town.

This it' the first instance in New Zealand where a business man has purchased his own aeroplane with the intention of operating it himself in the ordinary course of business. Mr Edwards gained hit' flying license at the Wellington Aero Club, and he Th one of the club’s stanchest supporters. He Is an experienced and capable pilot who has made many flights in Moths to most of the aerodromes in New Zealand. , He has consented to his machine being used by the Wellington Aero Club for training and general pulr poses when he does not require it. Under this arrangement the club has agreed to maintain the aeroplane and pay Mr Edwards a percentage of the fees earned by IT. The machine is of the same type as. l that ordered recently for inspection and survey work by -the PußTc Works Department and that bough, for the advanced training of pilots by the Canterbury Aerq Club. It is a cabin monoplane, with side-by-side seating for two, with provision for two control columns. 'With a D.H. Gipsy Major engine, it has a maximum speed of 145 miles- afl hour, with a range of 570. Flaps to reduce forward speed in landing and to help in the take-off are fitted and the machine takes off in 145 yards and lands in 100 yards.

Mr. John M. Gamble, Wellington, the New Zealand agent for Phillips arid Fowls Aircraft, Ltd., advises that the aeroplane win be shipped hy the Port Townsville about the middle of April, and it should be ready for flying near the end of May.