NEW AIRCRAFT AT HAREWOOD

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28472, 30 December 1957, Page 8

NEW AIRCRAFT AT HAREWOOD

Lockheed Electra Lands

The first Lockheed Electra aircraft seen in flight over Christchurch for a number of years touched down at Christchurch Airport shortly after 3 p.m. yesterday. Piloted by Captain Brian Chadwick, the-, aircraft has been purchased from an American oil company by Trans-Island Airways for use on their air routes. The aircraft will carry 12 passengers and will be used mainly on the Christchurch to Nelson flight. Because of the lateness of delivery and because it carries no de-icing equipment, Captain Chadwick had to make “a roundabout” flight from the United States to Christchurch. He flew from the United States to South America, across to Africa, on to India and down to Australia by way of Jakarta and Singapore. On the flight was the managing director of the company (Mr G. L. McLatchie).

At Jakarta “they were armed to the teeth when we landed at the airport,” said Captain Chad-1 wick. “They carried sten guns' and knives and they searched every piece of our luggage right down to our sponge bags.” On the flight the aircraft carried eight 50-gallon drums of petrol inside the aircraft to supplement the normal supply of 200 gallons. “The aircraft flew perfectly and did not miss a beat.” said Captain Chadwick. It would be about one month before it went into operation, he said.

The aircraft has a cruising speed of 150 miles an hour. A complete shipment of spare parts is being sent by ship to Christchurch and should arrive shortly.