LOW-FLYING AIRCRAFT

Evening Star, Issue 25472, 1 May 1945, Page 7

LOW-FLYING AIRCRAFT

PUBLIC ASKED TO REPORT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, April 30. The co-operation of the public in bringing to official notice instances of low flying by aircraft of the Royal New Zealand Air Force is sought by the Air Department. Any such cases may be reported either to the Air Department direct by letter or telephone to the nearest Air Force station or to the police. " In an effort to pre vent, a practice that may be dangerous to the public and that has been costly in service lives and equipment, the public is asked to aslist by reporting promptly any 'cases of low flying," says a statement issued by the Air Department. " Except in bad weather, when a pilot may be Forced to fly low, the minimum permissible height for a normal flight is 2,000 ft. " All training aircraft of the R.N.Z.A.F. are painted a bright yellow or silver, and have large numbers in black under the wing and also on the side of the fuselage. These aircraft are in use mainly in the South Island. Operational and transport aircraft, which are seen more generally in the North Island, have smaller numbers, also in black, on the fuselage near the tail. Some also have' large letters painted on the side of the fuselage. " Identification will be greatly assisted if the observers will endeavour to note and write down at the time the number of the aircraft, the exact time of the low flying, the colour of the aircraft, the number of engines,and whether the aircraft is a monoplane or biplane. The altitude may often be estimated by comparing the height of the aircraft with that _of some well-known local hill, high building or other landmark. . '■ It is emphasised that the help of the public is being sought as a measure and in an effort to avoid possible loss of life or injury, and waste of valuable equipment, the statement concluded.