HOME-MADE PLANES

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 64, 9 December 1930, Page 13

HOME-MADE PLANES

Dangers of Mishap

AIR DIRECTOR’S WARNING

The danger of unqualified people building their own aircraft, attempting to fly them, and carrying passengers was stressed by the Director of Air Services, WingCommander S. Grant-Dalton, yesterday. In the event of a fatality occurring, he pointed out, the pilot would be faced with serious legal consequences. “There is no reason why enthusiasts should not endeavour to improve the design and efficiency of the' modern aeroplane,” he declared, “but I consider it a waste of time unless both the designer and constructor are technically qualified for the task. “I would point out to those concerned that until their aircraft has been granted a certificate of airworthiness, it is illegal to fly more than three miles from a licensed aerodrome, and that no passengers can be carried in an experimental machine. As a Ibcally-’built machine must also be inspected during construction, before the airworthiness certificate can be granted, I would advise persons who are contemplating this work to notify the Defence Department before committing themselves to serious expense.” “Luckily, the wing fell off before the machine left the ground,” he said when referring to the experiences of two Auckland men who last week attempted to take off in an aeroplane which they had built. Had a wing come off while the machine was in the air, the pilot might have had to face serious legal consequences—if he had lived.