AERO CLUB YEAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 May 1938, Page 3

AERO CLUB YEAR

FLYING ACTIVITIES. “A total of 802 hours 55 minutes was flown during the half-year, making a total of 1219 hours 25 minutes for the year, which is easily a record for the club. Civil Reserve trainees flew 355 hours 25 minutes of this total. As compared with the previous year, increases were obtained in advanced dual (31.48), advanced solo (152.50), endorsed ‘A’ with passenger (108), Civil Reserve (355.25), Elkington Scholarship (9.15). Decreases were, recorded in dual (88.05), solo (27.10), commercial passenger flights (13), contracts (35.18), pageant (12.50), ferry test and free flying (4). LICENCES. “During the half-year eleven pilots obtained their ‘A’ licences, the successful candidates being as follow:—N. W. T. Beetham, C, F. Feebly, N. Preston (16/10/37); I. E. McHugh, C. T. Price, J. E. Crisp (21/1/38); O. W. Hosking, T. W. Horton (30/1/38), L. G. Brown, G. W. A. Mills, J. Register (4/2/3). The following five pilots also obtained their endorsed ‘A’ licences:—T. D. Stewart, M. Thom, N. W. T. Beetham, B. E. Skeet, J. R. Wenden. Mr R. L. McGregor was successful in passing the theory examination for his ‘B’ licence.

PAGEANTS & COMPETITIONS. i “The club was represented at the Te Kuiti pageant by Mr A. J. Scott, and at the Feilding pageant by Messrs J. V. A. Reid, D. P. Kennedy and N. W. T. Beetham. At the latter pageant, Mr Reid won the landing competition and was second in the aerobatics. Our Dannevirke member, Mr J. W. Franklin, obtained second place in the bombing competition. Messrs J. W. Franklin and M. L. Pirie, of Dannevirke, attended the official opening of the Hawera Aero Club. In the Liverton

Cup contest between the Wellington Aero Club and this club, our representatives were Messrs A. W. Buchanan, J. V. A. Reid, M. L. Pirie, J. W. Franklin and C. G. Cunningham, who were successful in winning the landing competition, message dropping, and aerobatics on points, and the bombing competition on match points. The aggregate results were in favour of our representatives. “Hamish Armstrong Memorial Fund. —The Club acknowledges with thanks the receipt of £5 from this fund. CIVIL RESERVE. “The Government instituted the scheme of training pilots for the Civil Reserve of Pilots. This club was allotted nine trainees, who completed the first year’s instruction according to the terms of our agreement with the Government. This year a further quota of nine will receive training. “Lectures.—A series of lectures were given by the pilot-instructor and these proved to be of great benefit and interest not only to Civil Reserve trainees, but also to pilots and members who attended. “New Aircraft. —A new Miles Whitney Straight cabin machine was purchased with Government assistance. This machine, since its arrival early in March, has proved very popular with pilots and passengers, and is a valuable addition to the fleet of aircraft. Blind flying instruments have now arrived from England and will

be fitted to the Moth Major. The committee thank those members and supporters who generously made donations towards the cost of these instruments.

“Aerodromes. —It is hoped that with the co-operation of the Public Works Department, further improvements will be carried out at the Hood Aerodrome. Masterton. The Dannevirke Airport Association (Inc.) has arranged a very satisfactory lease for their aerodrome, and this club made a donation to them for the use of the grounds. "Cabarets. —Three cabarets were held during the half-year. The club’s finances benefit considerably from these functions, and the social committee are to be commended on their successful achievements. VALEDICTORY.

“Mr W. L. Free, who had been a president of the club for several years since its inception, left the district to reside in Whangarei. Prior to his departure, a presentation was made to him at a gathering of members, who extended best wishes for his future health and prosperity. “Staff. —Mr K. R. Johnston, who has been pilot-instructor for the past 18 months, resigned to take up a position with Cook Strait Airways, Ltd. The club wishes him every success. Mi- A. W. Dingle and his staff have performed their duties very satisfactorily. “Membership.—The membership roll now stands at 251. “Thanks. —The committee extends its thanks to the Controller of Civil Aviation and his staff; the social committee for organising and controlling social functions; the donors who have generously made contributions to the club; the Press, for its support and publicity to the various activities of the club; and to the pilot-instructor, secretaries and ground staff for their co-operation and efforts on behalf of the club.”

NINTH ANNUAL REPORT good progress made. NEW MACHINE PURCHASED. The ninth annual report of the Wairarapa and Ruahine Aero Club, for the period ended March 31, 1938, to be presented at the annual meeting by the president, Mr A. McDonald, “The surplus for the half-year amounts to £l7B 15s 4d, but as there is a loss brought forward from the previous half-year of £271, the net result for the year is a loss of £92 4s Bd. The training of pilots for the Civil Reserve resulted in a large increase in revenue which enabled the club Jo avoid a much heavier loss. Flying costs again show an increase due to higher cost of materials for repairs and increased wages and salaries of the staff at the aerodrome. Maintenance and repairs to the club’s machines were much heavier owing to several unfortunate crashes and forced landing. ZK—ACD was involved in a heavy landing at Masterton and also in a crash at Waitahora, which caused much damage to the machine. ZK—ABE had a crash when taking off at the Hood Aerodrome, while a heavy landing at Dannevirke caused considerable damage. These two machines will cost approximately £4OO to repair and this sum has been placed to a reserve for repairs.