Study Of Aviation Needs

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31018, 25 March 1966, Page 1

Study Of Aviation Needs

The Department of Civil Aviation and the aviation industry are examining aviation requirements in the South Island, covering aircraft, routes, and airfields. Mr I. F. B. Walters, the assistant director of operations

for the department, said in Wellington yesterday that the investigation will include the bearing strengths of airfields, rainfall, and airfield services generally. He said there was no mystery about the flight into the Mount Cook area yesterday by a Fokker Friendship flown by a Dutch crew. This was but one small part of the

over-all investigation. Advantage was taken of its availability for the flight. Asked if any other aircraft might demonstrate it? capabilities on fields on secondary routes (last month a French Nord 272 flew to Mount Cook) Mr Walters said he very much doubted if any others would. Yesterday the Fokker

Friendship gave a “highly successful” handling demonstration in the Mount Cook area. No announcement of the result of the flight was made in Christchurch. Mr Walters said that a department official was on board and that a report would be submitted to the department. When the over-all investigation was completed the report would go to the Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr McAlpine). Those affected, such as Mt. Cook Airlines and N.A.C., would be consulted for their views. Mr Walters said the DC3 weight restriction would be included in the examination. No time factor was involved in the implementation of the restriction, he added. The photograph shows the Friendship on the Mount Cook landing strip yesterday.