LAST WORD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 2 May 1947, Page 6

LAST WORD

VIKING’S _COMFORT SPACIOUS INTERIOR TASTEFULLY DECORATED Representing the last word in passenger comfort, the Vickers Viking, which arrived at Gisborne yesterday morning on a short goodwill visit displayed to those who were fortunate enough to view the interior, something of what may be expected on New Zealand air lines in the future. The interior of the cabin appears ver v spacious on entering from the door at the rear of the machine. The fore cabin seats nine people and the aft cabin 15, with provision for another three seats To the rea- is a vestibule with hat and coat racks near the entrance door. Large windows are conveniently placed in relation to the seats. Finished in soft beige tonings, the cabin has a luxurious' appearance, the seats being of brown moquette, while pleated leather is used extensively on the walls. Sound absorption and tern perature insulation are achieved by a thick blanketing of cellular material. In flight, a droning sound can be heard, but normal conversation can be carried on in the cabin Eacli window Is fitted with a concertina window blind. The passengers’ arm chairs are very soft, and easily adjusted for various attitudes of comfort. Adjustable winged head-rests, incorporating a small reading light, give extra comfort. The chairs are disposed one on the loft and two on the right of the. passageway. Smoking Allowed in Plane Throughout the cabin the atmosphere is controlled for temperature and ventilation. Each passenger has con trol cf two small air vents, which supply air as required. Used air is extracted through a central ceiling duct, which also incorporates the general cabin lighting. Each chair is supplied with an ash tray, and a bell press for the steward. A luggage rack runs the full length of the cabin on each side. The chairs are well spaced with ample leg room between each chair for reclining passengers. A soft brown carpet covers the floor. Smoking is allowed once the machine is airborne. Tne crew’s quarters in the nose are also roomy, the two pilots sitting side by side with the instrument panel and controls in front of them. Behind them and facing to starboard is the radio operator-navigator's table. At the rear of the machine. is the small pantry, containing a minature sink, and cupboards. Food and drink are contained in thermos flasks, and an appetising snack can soon be arranged bv the steward. Further to the rear is the toilet compartment. Beneath the floor is a full-length freight hold, as.scssible directly from the ground. Six doors are provided for this in the under-bellv of the machine, while near the nose is another door, which is an entry hatch for the crew, if tliev so desire to enter that way. Folding steps with detachable band rails were carried by the Viking in the hold, and were quickly assembled and placed in nosition vesterday morning.