BENEATH THE WINDSOCK

Evening Star, Issue 22804, 12 November 1937, Page 2

BENEATH THE WINDSOCK

AVIATION IN FRANCE. At the end of 1930 the French Air Ministry completed its plans for an organisation for instructing and training any youths who wished tolly. Full use was to be made of the experience of the existing aero clubs, and the organisation was consequently to be under their care, and they were entrusted with tlie work of forming the sections of “ L’Aviation Popnlaire ’ (states ‘ Shell Aviation News ’)• These sections have been supplied by the State with a number of aircraft free of charge, and in addition the equipment already at the disposal of the clubs is being used for the instruction of new pilots. A great part of the cost of the fuel consumed in this work is being borne by the Government. The total number of sections covering all French territory is to be limited to 180, and at the moment 153 are in existence. Of these, 113 are dependent upon clubs affiliated to the Federation Aeronautique de France, 31 on the Federation Populaire des Sports Aeronautiques, and nine have been created by independent clubs not affiliated to any association. They will all be in full working order by the end of 1937; at the end of May last 114 sections were functioning. There were then 2,900_ pilots, of whom 75 had passed their test and 7,000 hours of flying had been attained. The aircraft used are between 600 and 700 in number, and are principally low-powered types.

The organisation provides for three stages in the education of the public: (a) Preliminary instruction given in schools for children of between 9. and 14 years of age; (b) instruction given through the medium of gliding and sail planing for any people of 'between 14 and 17 years of age (the national contre for sail planing at La Banne d’Ordanche already exists, and six other centres are now _ being opened) ; (c) practical instruction for pilots between 18 and 21 years of age given in the light aircraft mentioned above. Each section is directed by a committee of seven. Of these seven, three are appointed by the aero club, one by the active members of the section, one by the Air Ministry, one by the education authorities, while the seventh member represents the district in which the section is situated. AUCKLAND-GISBORNE AIR LINK. In response to inquiries regarding the possible establishment of an air service between Auckland and Gisborne, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce has been advised that no such developments were in view (states mi exchange). The inclusion of Tauranga and Rotorua on this route was thought to be desirable from the point of view' of tourist traffic. Correspondence from East Coast AirW'ays Ltd. stated that the position regarding landing grounds bctw*eit< Auckland and Gisborne had not been improved, and consequently the company’s efforts were being directed toward linking its service with those operating through Palmerston North to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, New Plymouth, Nelson, and Hokitika,

Extensions to the Gisborne aerodrome were detailed in a letter from the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce. The new area would accommodate larger aircraft, but nothing could be contemplated regarding an AucklandGisbornc service until landing grounds at Tauranga and Rotorua were properly prepared and equipped. The Tauranga Aero and Gliding Club advised that the necessary land, had been acquired for the construction of an aerodrome at Tauranga, and the formation was well advanced. It was not expeted that the aerodrome would be ready for use until about the middle of next year.

Commenting on the correspondence, members referred to the busy tourist season ahead for Auckland, where numerous cruise ships were to call in the near future. It was considered that an air link with Rotorua would be of much value, and the view was expressed that the aerodrome there was in sufficiently good order to justify such a service. It was decided to communicate with the Minister of Transport (Hon. R, Semple) to ascertain what prospect there was of an Aucklaud-Gisborne service being established.