GERMAN GLIDING.

Auckland Star, Issue 17, 21 January 1932, Page 5

GERMAN GLIDING.

FAMOUS MOUNTAIN SCHOOL SUCCESSFUL AUCKLAND PUPILS. LETTER FROM MR. C. J. PAINE. The extent to which gliding as phase of aeronautics has been adoptnl in Germany i.s reported in a letter which lias just reached Auckland from Mr. C. J. Paine, of Otaliuhu," who gained his pilot's ticket with the Auckland Aero Club. During a stay in England he has been doing a goocl deal of flv.ng from the London Aeroplane Club s 'drome at Stag Lane. With his friend, Flying-Officer C.vril Kay (who in April flew with FlyingOfficer H. L. Piper from England to Australia), Mr. Paine recently undertook a short instructional course at a gliding, or sailplane, school, near Frankfurt, i:i Germany. This institution, in the Rhoi: < Mountains, i.s famous as the scene-of international sailplane competitions, as well as for ferro-dynannc and meteorological research. The gliding slopes at this school, Wasserkuffe Fligerschule, where the glider which recently crossed the English Channel was built, nre said to be unparalleled both for their elevation and scenic beauty. Sailplaning Lure. The hundreds of young Germans, who are devoting their energies and enthusiasm to sailplaning away from t.r" cities, is a matter that greatly impress - Mr. Paine, who says these student.-; o' air mastery make real hard work the avocation. They tramp long distances to recover their erath. takiiig, i necessary, a whole day to return a machine safely back to the school. Mr. Paine and his companion won the highest awards to Englishmen 10" gliding efficiency-—C class certificates — and were always hospitably treated during their schooling. After completing their course they made a brief stay at Frankfurt, paying the equivalent of 5/ per night for most lavish accommodation. They saw the aircraft factory and also went to the great manufacturing centre of Stuttgart, where they had an opportunity to inspect the aeroplane and engine works. Entertained by Principal. The principal, Dr. Klem, entertained tho visitors and permitted his pilot to take them for a spin "aloft." Their trip from that city to I Frankfurt occupied an hour, as distinct from four hours by train. The visitors went by steamer down the Rhine, and were thoroughly captivated by this water trip 011 a river whose banks are studded with ancient castles and palatial hotels. From Cologne they travelled by 'plane to London, after having been away from the "Big Smoke" for a fortnight, during which they covered a total of about 3000 miles by air and rail. It was reported a few days ago that Flying Officer Kay is now engaged demonstrating the Auckland-invented Roberts aeroplane stabiliser. Mr. Paine is returning to NewZealand.