Demonstration Of N.Z.-Built Plane

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31767, 26 August 1968, Page 12

Demonstration Of N.Z.-Built Plane

The first cargo-passenger aircraft built in New Zealand will be demonstrated in New Zealand during the next few weeks.

The aircraft has been designed and built by Air Parts (N.Z.), Ltd, and is a modified version of the Fletcher FU24 topdressing aircraft orders for which are coming from Australia. It is designed to carry up to UMXHb of freight; the cargo compartment can be fitted with four passenger seats and there is room for a fifth passenger in the cockpit. The aircraft is powered by a 300 h.p. Rolls-Royce engine and was test flown at Rukuhia airport Hamilton, last month.

The general manager of the

company (Mr G. Scheltema) said the South Island tour was intended to demonstrate the usefulness of the machine to farmers and aircraft operators.

Mr G. Seddon will By the machine during the tour, accompanied by Mr Scheltema.

The aircraft will later be flown to Australia by Captain J. Verleun, of the National Airways Corporation, who has already ferried several Fletcher aircraft across the Tasman for the company.

Messrs R. R. Forward and R. C. Wasley, of Christchurch, have been elected to the committee of the Road Passenger Service Association, of which Mr A. R. Giles, of Napier, is president.—(PA.) .