B.A.C. 1-11

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30981, 10 February 1966, Page 12

B.A.C. 1-11

Sir, —With due regard to ! N.A.C. experts, it is puzzling to a layman that when replacing the DC3, the Friendship was chosen ahead of the British Dart Herald. The latter was already in production and I understood it could show better performance from marginal airfields. The argument then was that the Friendship would be a safer buy as it was already proved in airline service. Now comes the B.A.C. 1-11, well proved in airline service, including the United States itself, yet N.A.C. chooses an aeroplane still on the drawing board which, unlike the Dart Herald, cannot even be demonstrated. Surely N.A.C. seems to face both ways, so long as it can shut out British.— Yours, etc., POOR SHOW. February 8. 1966.

Sir, —“Observer” is sidestepping. For years the Americans have used this verse: “He who whispers down a well, about the goods he has to sell, will never make as many dollars, as he who climbs the tree and hollars!" Henry Ford sold his old Model T because it demonstrated to New Zealand farmers that it would travel in deep ruts and reach town from the farm. The B.A.C. 1-11 has demonstrated that it can get into and out of Rongotai in spite of the ruts. As a “New Kiwi” of 45 years’ standing and one of the original members of the first group to form the Wellington Aero Club, since when thousands of Kiwis have learned to fly in the little Moth, I can tell “Observer” where he gets off without the help of the Government.—Yours, etc.; TRIDENT. February 8, 1966.