GLIDING CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 102, 2 May 1931, Page 15

GLIDING CLUB.

REACHING AIR SENSE. YOUTHFUL PILOTS' ENTHUSIASM. BROGRESS OF AUCKLAND EFFORT. i ——. Gliding is becoming increasingly popular in Auckland, and the New Zealand Model Aero and Gliding Club is doing good work in endeavouring to create an "air sense." It was in October, 1928, that the inaugural meeting was convened by Mr. F. C. Macdonald, who was appointed captain, and has held that office up to the present. The club started in a very small way, the few enthusiasts to stick together during the first year numbering only a dozen. The object of the <dub is to promote the air sense by means of (1) making and flying model aeroplanes; (2) operating man-carrying full-size gliders, or motorless aeroplanes. When members of the club first started flying model aeroplanes a flight of about 20 seconds' duration,_on a distance of 100 yds, was considered good. Now, through the application of scientific principles, and the use of correct materials, the club's record for a duration flight stands at lnr 595, and the distance approximately half a mile. This progress ha» not come quickly, but is the result of 2J years of effort. Construction of Models. . The model aeroplane is basically the eame as a large machine. The span of the wings.varies from 12in to.sft, and the 'length -proportionately.. The model is usually driven by means of a number of strands of rubber. ' The* propeller is wound up backwards, sometimes as many as 700. to 1000 turns being madel The. model then launched by hand. Sometimes it leaves the ground under its own"power.' It.flies steadily upwards 'until,it reaches a height of from 50ft to 80ft, levels off, and is away on a long, straight flight. £• It has been noticeable at the meetings at One Tree Hill on Saturday afternoons that the adult spectators are usually the most interested. Evening indoor meetings are held in the Drill Hall, Rutland Street, every second Tuesday, when tiny lightweight models circle the big building. Full-sized Gliders. In accordance with the expressed intention at the inaugural meeting, the activities of the club have not been confined to models only. In the year following the club's birth, two members, Messrs. Basie and Phillip Brown, worked on a full-sized gliden which was .completed towards, the end. of 1929, It was ; taken to Hobsonville, where it flew several tiiies, piloted by the club cap- . tain.. He was not 'satisfied with the controls, and alterations were' made. , Towing by car was resorted to in further trials on" the aerodrome at the air base at Hobsonville. Some damage j was done to one, wing, and the machine was placed in dock.' . '

March 10, 1930, saw the glider all ready for the air-again, and on this date most flights were' made, |he machine behaving perfectly until the rubber rope catapult; with: which the machine was launched into the air, broke, with the result that the pilot was. injured. The glider is stiU inV first;jcia«s:- order; and is likely again, within the near future.*-,- "■'.:■■ .■'"■ This week a meeting convened by Mr', pointon, builder of the, Hawke glider, decided to join up with the N.Z. Model Aero and Gliding Club, so as .to make one good strong body. This influx of new members will strengthen the club considerably. The present executive of the club is: President, Mr. A. M. Bartley; club captain, Mr. F. C. Macdonald; secretary, Mr. H. E. Edwards; committee, Messrs. L. B. Hodge, C. Collins and W. Mackley. Messrs. B- and P. Brown are the junior commitieo»en. The club is'being incorporated.