15 Min. To Akaroa Using Amphibian

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30569, 12 October 1964, Page 14

15 Min. To Akaroa Using Amphibian

It will be possible to fly from Christchurch to Akaroa in 15 minutes by amphibian aircraft if plans envisioned by Mr D. J. Patchett, of Patchett Tours Ltd., come to fruition.

Mr Patchett expects delivery of a Cessna float plane from the United States about Christmas or early in the New Year and will use it for general charter work and to fly fishermen or hunters to previously inaccessible areas. His company had taken sportsmen into the mountains. >akes and back country mainly by vehicle, although occasionally by plane, said Mr Patchett yesterday. With an amphibian such operations could be extended more easily. Within a 200-mile range of Christchurch there were dozens of lakes.

The pilot of the four-seater Cessna will be a retired United States Air Force colonel, Mr P. B. Mudge—“one of the best men we could possibly get,” said Mr Patchett. Before operations can begin, however, the operators are awaiting news that the licence permitting them to operate has been granted by the Department of Civil Aviation. Mr Patchett said this could be granted any day now. Once flights begin, he said, the plane could open up most of the South Island’s waterways. Mr R. F. Short, the former secretary-manager of the Canterbury Aero Club, is understood to be joining the company in an administrative capacity.