SERVICE MAY BEGIN BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 287, 31 August 1935, Page 10

SERVICE MAY BEGIN BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Cook Strait Airways

ENGINEERS AND SECOND PILOT ENGAGED By Telegraph—Press Association. Nelson, August 30. It is anticipated that Cook Strait Airways will commence a service between Nelson, Blenheim and Wellington just prior to Christmas, and according to advice, the Dragon Rapfrle •machines will arrive by the Dorset on December 5. The machines are fitted with tlie latest safety devices, including a Sperry directional gyro, artificial horizon, wireless telephony, and power-, ful landing lights. Flight Lieutenant G, B. Bolt, chief pilot for the company, since his arrival in England has gained Ms B certificate for blind flying.

The company has engaged Pilot A. Orchard at present engaged by Jersey Airways, as second pilot. Mr. Orchard, whoso home town fe Blenheim,, was trained in the Marlborough Aero Club. Later he served a term in the Royal Air Force before joining Jersey Airways, where he has been piloting machines similar to those to be used in the Cook Strait service.

Mr. W. Temple, of the New Zealand Air Force at Wigram, has joined the company as chief ground engineer. His assistant will be Mr. Colin Philpott, of the Wellington Aero Club staff. The company had endeavoured to have the planes allotted colours of black and white, similar tp the funnels of the Anchor Company’s boais, but silver with a blue stripe and black topped fuselage are the colours which have been allocated. The registration letters of the planes will be ZK—AED and ZK—AEE.