AVIATION NOTES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 229, 27 August 1932, Page 12

AVIATION NOTES.

(By “Instructor.”) Mr H. C. "Walker, who secured his endorsement to carry passengers when in 'Wellington on Saturday last, flew the Manawatu Club’s Moth to the Capital City that day, Mr Dixon flying it home on Sunday. Mr M. McLeod also flew the club’s Avro-Avian down on Saturday, returning on Sunday. Very unpleasant weather conditions were experienced on the return trip, including strong head winds and rain. Mr McLeod had as passenger the club's instructor. A visitor to the aerodrome on 'Wednesday was Mr McNicol, of Dannevirke, in his Avro-Avian. He had as passenger Miss Gunn, of Dannevirke, a lady pilot. Mr Butler, of Levin, who recently built, flew and crashed a home-made machine, is re-building it. Pupils under instruction in Palmerston North this week were Messrs 0. Brill, K. Tait, M. McLeod and A. Petrie ; also Messrs Tantrum and Petersen, of Levin. “A” license pilots flying during the week were Messrs McGaffln, Penney, 'Walker, Linklater, Dixon and Hitchens. Passengers in the air during the week were Miss MacPlierson, Miss Grant and Messrs Hubner, Greenaway and Chievely. An inquirer has asked what happens to a land machine if it has to alight on water. If the pilot lands as slowly as possible, allowing the machine' to sink on to the water in what is technically known as a “pancake” landing, the fact of the wheels striking the water first will cause it to tip forward, the nose going under rather deeply. It then rises a little and drops the tail back again, finally floating with the body submerged as far back as about half way up the front seat, the back seat, tail and top wing being quite clear of the water. The machino will float like this. for many hours, the imprisoned air in the wings holding it up. If the weather is rough, however, tire machine may break up. The above is written from actual experience.