OVERSEAS AIR TERMINAL

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25607, 23 September 1948, Page 3

OVERSEAS AIR TERMINAL

HAREWOOD NOT UP TO REQUIRED STANDARD

STATEMENT BY MR JONES Harewood aerodrome does not at present fulfil the requirements for the operation of Lockheed Constellation and Douglas Skymaster aircraft. To seal and extend the existing runways at Harewood would cost a very considerable sum, and the work would take some time. This information was given by the Minister in charge of Air Department (Mr F. Jones) in a letter to the Canterbury Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, replying to a request by the association that the Harewood airport be classified as an overseas airport as soon as possible. “In the interests of safety and in compliance with standards laid down for international aerodromes. the operation of aircraft of the type mentioned would not be permitted on grass surfaces.” said Mr Jones.

“The Government has not yet decided on a second international airport in New Zealand, nor has the Government of Australia decided that Melbourne will be recognised as an international airport. At the present time all passengers leaving Australia for the United States and New Zealand are required to leave from Sydney. Likewise al] traffic to Australia from Canada, the United States and New Zealand is required to arrive at the international airport at Sydney.” he said.

“Apart from the request made by a number of bodies for the establishment of an international airport at Harewood, representations have been made on behalf of many other localities in both the North and South Islands for a second international airport

“If the Government does decide to, establish a second international airport. the decision will have to be based not only on the possible commercial benefits, but also upon the suitability of the site chosen from technical and geographical aspects The minimum runway requirements forth. 6 operation of Lockheed Constellation and Douglas Skymaster air C u a i which it has been proposed should operate on a direc 4 service to the South Island, are:—for the main landing strip. 5500 ft by 1000 ft: actual runway.. 5500 ft by 150 ft: clearance angle on approaches, one in. 50 ” Harewood did not fulfil these conditions. which applied to concrete runways. he said. For the second’ runway. 85 per cent, of the above figures W6 £e necessary for length, with the width for the strip 700 feet, and the runway 1500 feet. Clearance angle on approaches must be one in-40. said the Minister.