PROLONGED LANDING OF AIRCRAFT

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24797, 11 February 1946, Page 4

PROLONGED LANDING OF AIRCRAFT

COMPANY REPLIES TO CRITICISM

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 9. Union Airways, Ltd., has replied to the complaint this week by Mr E. H. Whiting, a passenger, about the method of approach to Milson aerodrome, Palmerston North, on a trip from Auckland last Saturday. It was stated by Mr Whiting, that he recognised Milson aerodrome about five minutes before the scheduled time of arrival, but 30 minutes elapsed before the aircraft made its landing, during which time the aircraft circled round in bad conditions, which upset the passengers considerably. It is stated by tfie company’s officials that the radio log shows clearly that this aircraft was not over Milson at 9.40 a.m. and that it could hot have arrived until approximately 10 a.m. In addition to the Auckland machine another aircraft was approaching Milson from Napier, and the pilot on the Auckland service gave wav to the Napier machine, because it was scheduled to land five minutes before the Auckland aircraft. The weather necessitated every precaution being taken and an approach was made by both machines from the Foxton area. The pilots of both aircraft should be commended for their handling of the machines in difficult conditions, having as their first consideration the safety of their passengers.