Father Fulfils Promise He Made In 1932

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30196, 30 July 1963, Page 12

Father Fulfils Promise He Made In 1932

A promise made 31 years •go in England was carried out in Christchurch yesterday when Mr S, L. Dodwell. a topdressing pilot, flew as a passenger on his son’s first flight since gaining nis private pilot’s licence in May Mr Dodwell said yesterday that when he gained his pilot’s licence with the Midland Aero Club in Birmingham in 1932 at the age of 18 his father insisted on being his first passenger. “This gave me quite a bit of confidence, and I promised myself that I would do the same if any of my children took un flying." Mr Dodwell ■aid.

Yesterday his son. Anthony, aged 19. took him on a sightseeing flight over Christchurch and surrounding areas. Although Anthony had gained his private pilot’* licence with the Canterbury Aero Chib two months ago the weather, as well as M’ Dodwell’s duties as a t>ppilot with Airwork (NZ.I. Ltd., had delayed their plans for the flight.

Mr Dodwell began his flying career in England with a Cirrus II Moth. He and his wife and family migrated to New Zealand in 1951. Be fore taking up topdressmg two years ago Mr Dodwell was an instructor for the Canterbury Aero Club His was “quite a flying family.” he said His daughtei is an air hostess with the National Airways Corporation. and his son now intends to train for a commercial pilot's licence so that he can fly for the N.A.C.

An editorial comment in the latest issue of the *’Otematata Chronicle’’ expresses the newspaper’s attitude to cyclists who ride without lights Headed “Poor Fool,” it says: "We would like to know which fool it was who cycled to work the other morning without either headlight or reflector If he is so ooor that he cannot afford 'hese small items, this newsoaper would be glad to give the money to buy them and save his life." •