BENEATH THE

Evening Star, Issue 22577, 19 February 1937, Page 2

BENEATH THE

by gypsy inoth

AUCKLAND AIR AMBULANCE. An unexpected de!ay in putting into service the new air ambulance recently purchased by the Auckland Aero Club, has occurred following the discovery of a broken longeron in the machine. The aeroplane, an American Beechcraft, is almost completely assembled,'but the ground staff at the club’s headquarters at Mangere is un able to complete its work until repairs which may include the fitting of a new part, are carried out to the satisfaction of the Government aircraft im spector. A further delay of some weeks is likely before the craft is flown. The machine, which reached New Zealand about Christmas, was purchased to fill a long-felt want, and ■funds were subscribed by the public, amounting to more than £l,lOO. The machine cost oyer £2,500, complete with the necessary fittings to make possible its use as an air ambulance. The broken longeron, which is believed to have been caused in transit from the factory to New Zealand, was noticed by the club’s ground engineer, Mr F. A. N. North, while the machine was being assembled. The defect was reported to the Government' inspector of aircraft, and the club has since communicated with the factory seeking its opinion concerning repairs The Beechcraft has accommodation for the pilot and four passengers, but it can be made ready _ in a few minutes to carry, in addition to_ the pilot, a stretcher in a prone position, and an attendant to accompany the patient. The machine’ is known as the model CI7L, and with the_ 225 horsepower Jacobs engine,_ cruises at between 155 and 166 miles an hour, according to the altitude. It is thus probably the fastest aeroplane in New Zealand. Recent developments in American aircraft design are incorporated in the construction of the Beechcraft, which is a cabin biplane. It has •an elec-trically-operated retractable undercarriage, a metal propeller, and an electric starter. Internally, the machine resembles an expensive closed motor car, and according to an AuckInnd pilot who flew a Beechcraft in the United States, it is a particularly fine model in the air. AIR SERVICE RISKS. Life assurance policies on air ser*. vice passengers will be discussed at the eleventh International Conference of Actuaries, to be held in Paris in June. Accident and flying risks will be considered in relation to professional flying men, private aeroplane owners, and passengers using regular air services. Variations in the rate of interest and the effect on the life insurance companies in relation to . premiums will also be examined. Another important subject set down for discussion is a survey of tariffs for working compensation insurance. It is proposed to examine the effect of’age op the probabilities : of occupational accidents and on the cost' of compensation. AIRWAYS FOR BURMA. It is now the ambition of Irrawaddy Flotilla and Airways to establish a network of flying routes _ throughout Burma. A new service which has just began operations flies between Mandalay and Rangoon and Yenangyaung and Ragoon, with several intermediate stops. In the near future it is proposed to open a service to Tavoy. The company’s scheme embraces the use Of land planes as well as seaplanes, and many new landing grounds are in course of preparation in various localities.