OPTIMIST CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 May 1938, Page 9

OPTIMIST CLUB

TYPES OF WEATHER. ADDRESS BY MR K. JOHNSTON. Mr Keith Johnston, pilot-instructor at the Hood Aerodrome, gave an interesting address at last night’s Optimist Club tea. Mr Johnston took for his subject-meteorology, dealing mainly with different types of weather encountered when flying. Mr Johnston pointed out that experience made the best pilot, and that the most important branch of aviation was meteorology. Aeroplanes today were overcoming many of the earlier dangers and in particular, one plane, the Gipsy Major, did 1,000 hours flying without overhaul, and this engine is considered to show an outstanding performance. Notwithstanding the stability of present day planes, dangers are still to be encountered with bad weather conditions. A plane may be able to keep on her course, but difficulties arrive when the time comes to land, and to aid the pilot sloping radio beams are sent out from the aerodrome. In New Zealand weather reports are received from all aerodromes where there is a staff. These reports are broadcast at different times, and the method has proved most satisfactory to New Zealand pilots. A similar practice' is undertaken in Europe, but on a much larger scale with weather maps especially prepared to cover certainterritories. Wind has been carefully studied and found to be of no account when compared with fog. Every conceivable thing has been tried to combat fogs, and various methods after close study and trial have not been entirely successful. Another cause of many accidents is the formation of ice on planes, said Mr Johnston. Water in a cloud could be well below freezing point, but if disturbed, as by a flying aeroplane, it immediately turns to ice and forms on the wings and struts. Imperial Airways have found that spraying the edges of the wings, the struts and air-screw with an anti-freeze liquid has been quite successful. At the conclusion of his talk, Mr Johnston was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Mr M. Finlayson.