N.Z. BUILT PLANE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11175, 7 April 1930, Page 3

N.Z. BUILT PLANE

FIRST. MACHINE DESCRIBED. There is a feeling iu Whakatane (says tlio. Bless) that young Allison should receive some recognition from tiie Government for his achievement in being the first to fly' a New Zealand built plane, and the Mayor oi Whakatane, Mr. AY. Sullivan, it is understood, is taking steps to bring the matter under the notice of the authorities.

The monoplane, built by Air. Allison, with the assistance of Air. Victor Allen, looks a most workmanlike production, and is-a credit to both of the youthful builders. The machine is a, single-seater monoplane, with a two-cvliiuler Lawrence engine of 28 b.p. Its weight unloaded is 1301 b, and when carrying full weight including benzine and pilot the full weight is 0201 b. The length of the machine is 20. t, and iho whig spread 2811,, the width o< the wing being sft. The wings are detachable. The nropellor has a measurement of Oft Gin. Over the framework of the wings is a covering of a light strong cotton material which is covered with aluminium puiir which ■ imparts strength and tends lo tighten the material. .The gear includes an air compass, air speed indicator, altitude indicator, bank and turn indicator, oil gauges, ammeters, ignition switch and control throttle and spark controls.

Much patience has had to he ex ercised h.v the builders as they had ‘to wait on occasions lo get manv ol the minor parts from abroad. They started ' the work about twelve ■ months ago. and the work necessarily had to be slow. Thev have now had the sntisfnel : on of Icnowiiv that their work has been downed with eo**>r\letc soccess.