N.Z. AVIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 273, 17 November 1936, Page 10

N.Z. AVIATION.

TRAINING PILOTS.

NEW MACHINES ORDERED?

N.Z. AERO CLUB'S REPORT.

The suggestion that the Government is ordering four new aeroplanes, to be used for the training of pilots, is contained in the annual report of the Xew Zealand Aero Club, to be presented at the meeting of delegates in Wellington of November 27. "The majority of clubs preferred the Miles Trainer," it states. "This recommendation was approved by the Government, and we understand that four machines are being ordered almost immediately." The report stresses the need for a progressive policy in aviation. It is pointed out that three deputations have waited upon the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon M. J. Savage, and the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, but that full replies had not yet been received, as the Government was awaiting the further advice of overseas aviation officers. It was hoped, it 6aid, that this advice would encourage the Government to define a policy in aviation, recognising the work of aero clubs. "We rightly contend that our ground organisation, experience, and personnel is capable of training as efficiently, as any other school, the very line type of youth offering as pilots to-day," states the report." We hope that some scheme may be evolved whereby the clubs, or the Government, will be enabled to give advanced training to the pick of these ®pilots enabling them to take up immediate duties with commercial aviation, or be drafted into the Air Force for the defence of our shores. "More Machines Needed." "Whilst being . grateful for small mercies in the shape of three or four new machines, the club is of the opinion that this number is entirely inadequate to cope with the large number of pupils offering at the present - time. By the time these three of. four machines arrive, it will be over two years since the clubs received any new machines, and in some cases it will be four years since sSme of the clubs received any additional machines. "It is most unfortunate that clubs, and the Government, have not been in a position to keep abreast with the advancement in aviation and training by the supply of sufficient machines for this purpose, because we' feel that the country is definitely suffering. We must continue to stress to Cabinet the \ Importance of further machines, and endeavour, if possible; to get a further Datch ordered immediately so that they will come forward as early as possible. "The matter of Government assistance to clubs training pilots within the military age, both for defence and commercial purposes, is recognised by the Government, and we are grateful for the" amount of £5000 voted this year, which is an increase of £500; and is presumably to cover the additional club which was admitted during the year. We made representations for an increased subsidy of £10,000 which would have enabled us to put on extra instructors, if we had the machines, and cope with all the very desirable material offering for training.. Here, again, we sincerely hope that our Government, will bring us more into line with other Dominions of the Empire, futher recognise the work which is being done, and subsidise lis accordingly. We are grateful to the Minister of Defence for making available to the clubs the full amount voted for - the past year, and for seeing- that this was distributed on a basis recommended by us. Unified Control. "We suggested that the subsidising of ground engineers who obtained their certificates as trainees, or really apprentices of the aero" club, should also receive consideration. The qualified ground engineer is just as important as the pilot, and clubs have not lost sight of this ; important fact in their organisation. They are training these men and sending them out into the world of civil aviation as fast as possible. "The urgent need for unified control in aviation in the interests of both economy and efficiency and for the further welfare of, both air defence and civil aviation in New Zealand cannot be too strongly stressed. The lack of unified control has undoubtedly allowed both civil and defence aviation to drift along .in the present haphazard manner from which the utmost value is not being obtained. The aero clubs of New Zealand will : be pleased fto cooperate in any connection, and-to place at the disposal of the Government, the experience gained over the-.last eight or nine years of actual control and operation of aviation in their particular sphere. It is hoped that the Government will give recognition to the clubs in this connection. " v • , "The club desires to congratulate the Government, and the particular department controlling the , .development'.: of aerodromes, for the aggressive manner in which this development work -is taking jjlace, and for the recognition of'the' importance of ground organisation, and the establishment of suitable aerodromes for both defence and civil aviation. . It is hoped that this development work will continue in, the same, very satisfactory manner."^