TASMAN AIR SERVICE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 31, 16 November 1939, Page 3

TASMAN AIR SERVICE.

TRAINING OF OFFICERS. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, November 15. Training as a prospective flyingboat commander for Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd., on the service between Auckland and Sydney lias been completed by Mr W. J. Craig, who came to New Zealand some months ago as first officer of the flying-boat Aotearoa. Mr Craig has now done all the necessary training, including night flying practice, with take-offs and landings on Auckland harbour, to fit him to command the Aoteavoa should the need arise.

Two other members of the crew, Messrs F. *B. Chapman, first officer, and C. A. Macdonald, second officer, have also done extensive training since the machine reached Nhw Zealand. Thus the delay in commencing the service, largely resulting from the war, has not resulted in time being wasted. Various officct's have been able to finish their training, instead of undertaking this work between commereial flights. The company requires the commander and first officer of each machine to be holders ol first-class navigators’ licences. These qualifications are held by Captain J. W. Burgess and by Messrs Craig and Chapman. Second officers must possess B pilots licences, second-class navigators licences, and wireless-telegraphy licences. Further flights for the training of personnel wore made to-day. It is possible that the machine will be used for night flights next week.