SCHNEIDER CONTEST

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 32, 1 November 1929, Page 11

SCHNEIDER CONTEST

BRITISH GOVERNMENT NOT TO ENTER AGAIN COST OF THE LAST VICTORY AIRCRAFT BUILDERS TAKEN ABACK The British Air Minister hat decided to dissociate the Royal Air Force from the Schneider Trophy contest in future. Although the decision was not unexpected, aircraft constructors are perturbed, and declare that private enterprise will find it too expensive to produce machines. (United Press Association.— By Electria Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Rec. October 31, 7.30 p.m.) London, October 81. The decision of the Air Ministry to dissociate the R.A.F. from the Schneider Trophy contest was not unexpected, because after the September event it was commonly reported at Calshot that it would be the last race of the kind, even the Italian, Colonel Bernasconi, remarking that it was too expensive. Well-informed people say the victory cost Britain a million sterling apart from the risk to life. It is commonly asked what is its practical use .in everyday aviation? Nevertheless, aircraft constructors are taken aback. The Gloster Company declares that the decision is a surprise to the industry as a whole. The problem is money, and unless it is solved, British firms may be unable to produce machines. The Napiers firm concurs that private enterprise will find it over-expensive. Apart from the actual construction of machines, there is the question of maintaining a team of expert speed flyers. The Master of Sempill, president of the Aaeronautical Society, is disappointed, because, he says, there are many advantages to be gained by competing as a nation. Private enterprise is not sufficiently prepared to shoulder the heavy financial burden. It will be unfortunate if the race Is not continued. Britain will hold the trophy, which will become her absolute property if she wins the nest race. REASONS FOR DECISION INTENTIONS OF DONOR OF TROPHY (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, October 30. The Air Ministry announces that the British Government will not enter in future for the Schneider Trophy International Race for seaplanes. It is explained that two main considerations influenced this decision. Firstly, owing to Government participation in recent years the contest has assumed a character not in accordance with the intentions of M. Schneider' its originator, and the donor of the trophy. Secondly, although the entry of a Royal Air Force team was calculated tod give a much-needed impetus to the development of high-speed aircraft—and did so, notably in the two latest contests — sufficient data have now been collected for practical development in this direction, and the large expenditure of public money involved by Government participation is therefore no longer justifiable. This decision should not, of course, affect the entry of British machines in future contests. Convincing proof has now been furnished of what the British aircraft industry can do, and the wide public interest displayed should make it possible for British pilots and machines to compete in what is Intended to be a sporting international event on a basis of private enterprise. SPECIAL FLIGHT OF RlOl (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, October 80. The Air Ministry has allotted 75 places to members of Parliament in the airship RlOl for her next special flight, which she will undertake during November. The airship will undergo her full speed trials during the next few days.