AERO CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 November 1939, Page 6

AERO CLUB

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES SOME IMPRESSIVE FACTS. MEETING OF COMMITTEE LAST NIGHT. At the Wairarapa and Ruahine Aero Club’s committee meeting held last night, at the clubhouse, it was reported that the Hood Aerodrome will probably be maintained as an emergency landing ground. It was stated that with the taking over of the club’s machines by the Government, all flying by members ceased about a month ago. Plant, equipment and spare parts have been purchased by the R.N.Z.A.F. Although the club's flying activities have been brought to a standstill, it is anticipated that immediately the war is over, the Club will be able to make arrangements with the Government for a fleet of aircraft and other items that will be required such as tools, spares, etc., and thus there should be little delay in re-opening the aerodrome for members and others. Looking back over the past 10 years since the Club was formed by a number of enthusiasts, some of the facts are very impressive. It may rightly be claimed that the club in common with all other chibs has done its part in helping to build up the Defence Forces of the Dominion. Five members are serving with the R.A.F. “somewhere in England or France." A further 19 members have joined the R.N.Z.A.F. or other branches of the Defence Service. During the past three years the Government Training Scheme for the Civil Reserve of Pitots was in operation, and during this period 17 pilots were trained and six were undergoing instruction when the scheme was discontinued at the outbreak of hostilities. Seven of the Civil Reserve pilots are now in the Air Force and the remainder have an obligation to serve for home defence if called upon. There is also a reserve of club-trained pilots numbering 36, who although in many cases are above the ago limits for Air Force pilots are available should their services be required in an emergency. From the inception of the club 109 pilots have been trained for A Licences, 4 for B Licences, and 35 have received "A" endorsements enabling them to carry passengers. When the aerodrome was closed eight were receiving instruction for “A" Licences. All of the foregoing were trained in club aircraft which wore ZK-ACD. ZK-AAM. ZK-ABE. ZK-ADL. and ZK-AGB. These machines collectively flew 7306 hours 10 minutes over 63 hours being averaged monthly. Flights from ’the Hood Aerodrome have radiated to places all over New Zealand ,and so have provided a rapid and safe means of transport for those engaged on business and pleasure trips. Some statistics from the Club accounts are illuminating, all figures being since the foundation of the Club: —Petrol and oil. £3771 9s 6d; parts and materials. £2902 2s 8d; wages and salaries. £9595 18s 3d; aircraft, £3209 3s 9d: Hying revenue, £17,719 4s 4d; subscriptions, £3189 9s. In addition to the above items considerable sums have been expended in insurances, rates, stationery, toll fees. etc., while the support. given to the club by boroughs and councils and individual donors has been of substantial assistance to the club's finances.

ft was stated that the loss to the distinct in the circulation of purchasing power would be generally regretted. Over the 10 years of its existence the establishment and maintenance of tne aerodrome has proved a valuable asset to the trade and welfare of the Wairarapa. The club. it. is claimed, has fulfilled its functions by training

pilots, maintaining an airport and aviation centre, assisting the Government in defence, and helping in the development of the Wairarapa by providing rapid transportation. It is very pleasing to record that the history of the Club to date has not been marred hv any accidents involving loss of life, thus justifying the claim that air transport has proved to be both rapid and safe. Mr A. McDonald (president) presided over the meeting of the general committee last night. According to the flying report concerning the operations of the club up to the time of being taken over by the Government. 17 hours 5 minutes were recorded for the period October 1 to 8. From the beginning of April. 311 hours 30 minutes were flown, being a reduction of nearly 48 hours on the same period last year. Unfortunately owing to the war. flying activities have slopped at the beginning of the busy summer flyin? season.

The secretary reported that satisfactory valuations had been arranged with representatives of the Government for stocks of petrol, oil. spare parts and equipment. The social committee advised that they would carry on with cabarets and other functions during the time that flying was not being carried on. The club house is to be made available for members who wish to arrange for private functions. Letters of appreciation are to bo forwarded to Mr F. J. McDonald. laD pilot instructor, and to Mr A. W. Dingle, late ercund engineer for past services to the club.