AIRCRAFT VISIT TAURANGA

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 14570, 14 January 1948, Page 2

AIRCRAFT VISIT TAURANGA

CLUB MEMBERS’ INTERESTS

Demonstration By Auster

Autocrat

Engine Parts For Waco

Arrive In N.Z.

Numerous .aircraft have visited Tauranga over the past week or two, including Tiger Moths, Proctors a Whitley Straight, Moth Minors, and a privately-owned Gypsy Moth.

A newcomer was an Auster Autocrat, the civil version of an Army reconnaissance plane so well known in the Second World War. The Instructor-Manager of the Tauranga Aero Club (Mr R. I. Graham) told the Bay or Plenty Times that the aircraft was flown by Mr D. Greig, of Auckland, for demonstration purposes, as the club wished to examine this type of aircraft with a view, to a possible purchase. The most notable characteristics of an Auster aircraft was the approach speed of 40 miles per hour, and the stalling speed of 28 miles an hour. The stalling speed of a Tiger Moth, was 45 miles an hour, said Mr Graham.

The engine parts for the club’s Waco had arrived in New Zealand. The Waco, which was now in Auckland, was expected in Tauranga at about the end of the month. It would be fitted with a new motor, and another new one would be held as a spare. This would eliminate further delays due to engine overhauls.

Holidaymakers had been making and were still making full use of the club’s aircraft to view Tauranga and district from the best advantage.