ANTARCTIC FLIGHT OF R.N.Z.A.F.

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28793, 14 January 1959, Page 7

ANTARCTIC FLIGHT OF R.N.Z.A.F.

Operation Again In April

New Zeaiana Pres. association WELLINGTON, January 13.

The Antarctic flight of the Royal New Zealand Air Force will come into operation again at Wigram in April. This was announced in Wellington today by the Minister of Defence (Mr Connolly). The flight was suspended at the conclusion of the Trans-Antarctic crossing and I.G.Y. activities last year. “After training in New Zealand the flight will sail with its two aircraft and equipment to Scott Base in December to carry , out flying operations from January to March, 1960,” said the Minister. It is expected that the flight will consist of three pilots and five ground crew and the aircraft used will be the R.N.Z.A.F. Auster and Beaver. 250 Hours The Beaver aircraft is scheduled to fly some 250 hours in support of ground parties carrying out mapping and geological surveys in the Beardmore Glacier area, some 450 miles south of Scott Base. The Auster is expected to log some 100 hours on a similar role. The men on the flight would not remain at Scott Base for the winter period, said Mr Connolly, but would return to New Zealand at the end of the summer and go back in time to carry out further supporting flights from Scott Base between November, 1960, and February, 1961. “A selection process is already under way," said the Minister, “and the selected ground crew will begin training this month and the aircrew in April. This will be followed by Antarctic-type training in the Southern Alps from June to September.” he said.