Aviation

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 12, 27 December 1930, Page 8

Aviation

(By

“WING TIPS”).

NEWS AND NOTES. MR. GARDEN’S VISIT On Sunday last a large crowd visited the aerodrome in the afternoon, hoping to see Mr. Oscar Garden, but most were disappointed as he arrived there early in the afternoon and left about 2.30 to attend a reception at Sir Andrew Russell’s residence at Tunanui. Even those who were out at the ’drome at the same time as Mr. Garden did not know he was there, owing to his retiring nature and dislike of fuss or ostentation. However, the public had the opportunity of seeing Mr. Garden’s machine “Kia Ora” and judging by the constantly changing crowd thronging the hangar for three hours, they found sufficient of interest in the machine without seeing the man that flew it. It was very disappointing that, owing to his social engagements, the public were denied a good view of the hero of the hour. * • * WORK AT THE ’DROME. To the layman it must appear that there is very little work .to be done at the aerodrome apart from actually Hying, but like a well-produced play, all the work is done “behind the scenes” and the finished production only is presented to the public. Owing to the fact that there were three visiting ’planej last week-end the ground engineer was particularly busy, overhauling and doing minor repairs to engines, filling with petrol, which in a ’plane is a somewhat longer job than motor cars. Whilst all visiting ’planes are receiving the attention that only a fully qualified ground engineer can give them, the club machines also have to be serviced as usual. For instance, last week-end the first stranger to arrive was the Puss Moth belonging to JEtotorua Airways. Ltd., which had to lie serviced. Then Mr. Garden and Captain Haig arrived. The latter’s machine developed a loose rocker-bar and had to have that adjusted.

Two of the club’s machines were going hard all the afternoon and had to be looked after, as well as booking passengers. FK-ABB unfortunately broke the spring of the tail skid, which meant 15 minutes unlooked for extra work for the ground engineer. But the work is got through and visitors are still gladly welcomed by the staff and members of the club. * • • NEW AIR SERVICE Last Wednesday Captain Bolt started the new Hastings-Gisborne air service. Enough was said in these columns two weeks ago to prove how much better air travel is than any other method, but it would be as well to point out that one can arrive in Gisborne in an hour and a-half, clean, cool and unfatigued, as against the road journey of eight hours, when one arrives hot, dirty and dusty, and in most cases, weary. Let us hope that the people of Hastings and Napier are sufficiently air-minded now to support Captain Bolt’s initial effort with his Desoutter monoplane. SAFE FLYING Last Sunday the writer took the opportunity of chatting to numerous visitors to the ’drome and suggested a joyride and was astonished to find in this enlightened age, the large number who frankly confess they are frightened. At Longlands many such have been persuaded to go up and upon landing have remarked upon the wonderful experience and bemoaned the fact that they have delayed taking a “flip” so long. Let me try again to assure those who cannot overcome their scruples that the dangers of flying are far, far smaller than the risks they run on a motor journey from hero to Wellington. Engines have been brought to such a pitch of perfection that they hardly ever fail (in parenthesis, how many car engines on up-to-date cars break down?). Slotted wings have eliminated any risk of nose dives, and any pilots who are permitted by the club's instructor to take passengers are fully qualified in every respect. There are thousands of people who cannot look down from the top of a high building, or climb a ladder without suffering from ‘vertigo. If I may be allowed to use the first person, I would like to say that ten feet off the ground co a ladder is more than I can stand, but 10,000 feet in a ’plane is only enjoy able. No giddiness whatsoever is experienced, only a delightful sensation of looking on the world from an angle from which you’ve never seen it before, so roll up on Sunday and enjoy an experience you’ve never had before, nor will get as cheap anywhere else. THE WEEK’S ACTIVITIES Flying activities during the week were as follows Solo, 4 hours 45 minutes; dual, 4 hours; crosscountry. 2 hours 30 minutes; passenger flights, 1 hour 30 minutes. Misses Armstrong, Davidson, Ehbett (2), and Messrs. Pickett, Pirrie, Rathbone, Symonds, Duff, Hickey, Attwood, Ebbett (2), Adams, Wilson, Kenrick, McLennan and Wilson all tbok flights during the week-end It is gratifying to note tho long list of passengers, and it is to be hoped that more will enjoy this experience on Sunday. ROAD DIRECTIONS For the benefit of visitors to Hastings, it may be as well to give road directions, so that any who so desire nuiy visit the aerodrome, where they will be most cordially welcome. Go straight, down Heretaunga street to Stortford Lodge. Turn sharp to tho left by th. hotel and keep on. past a shed on your right hand marked N.Z.A.T. Co. (old hangar of the New Zealand Aerial Transport Go.'. Longlands aerodrome .ntrance is across the first cattle stop on the right-hand past the end of the bitumen. GLIDER NOTES It appears that many people have heard of the accident to the Hamilton glider without going to the trouble of finding out the cause. According to the report, it would not rise when pushed which leads one to conclude that not sufficient care .was taken over

finding out the correct centre of gravity. In order to get the machine in the air, they did a most foolish thing, that is, towed it with a motor truck. Anyone, who has the slightest knowledge of gliding knows what a dangerous practice this is, and our club rs proud to be able to say that, before this accident, a rule was passed which states: “At no time, and under no circumstances shall motor cars, motor cycles, bicycles, or aeroplanes be used for towing any of the club’s machines” so that danger has been effectively dealt with, before our machine is ready fcr the air. » • * It is gratifying to be able to state that subscriptions are coming in, but the club is still wanting money to"buy fabric and other necessary material for completing our machine, so please come along and pay your subscriptions. After December 31st. a further 2/6 (entrance fee) will be chargeable.