Royal Inspection Of Kings Flight Planes

Northern Advocate, 24 January 1947, Page 3

Royal Inspection Of Kings Flight Planes

(Special, 10 a.m.)

LONDON, January 23

WHEN the King and Queen and the Princesses inspected the Viking aircraft which will be used during their South African tour, Princess Margaret made a beeline for the cockpit, where she sat in the pilot’s seat, and asked Wing-Commander E. W. Tacon, D. 5.0., D.F.C., of Napier, to explain the controls to her, while plying him with a stream of questions.

Wing Commander Tacon is commander of the King’s Flight. Meanwhile, Their Majesties and Princess Elizabeth, accompanied by the Captain of the King’s Flight, Air Commodore E. H. Fielden, seemed more interested in the accommodation, the Queen and Princess Elizabeth being particularly attracted by the small kitchen, or pantry, which has both a water-heater and a refrigerator.

Their Majesties spent nearly two hours inspecting the aircraft and talking to the crew. The Viking they saw was the one in which the King will fly. The Queen will use another, which is similar in every respect It is presumed that Princess Elizabeth will fly with the Queen and Princess Margaret with the King.

£90,000 EACH Nothing lias been spared to ensure the comfort of the Royal Family while flying in these Viking aircraft, which are an excellent example of the high quality of British workmanship. Normally the cost of a Viking is about £49,000 cash, but it is understood that the aircraft in the King's Flight cost nearer £90,000 each. The colour scheme and furnishings have been selected by the Queen herself.

The colours arc royal blue, air force blue and cream, and two cabins, eacli containing four comfortable seats, are finished in soft leather. The seats are at windows and face inwards, and it is expected that the King will use the rear cabin with a seat facing the tail. By each seat is a cream-coloured telephone, which can be used for talking to occupants of the adjoining cabin and to Air-Commodore Fielden. who has a special compartment just behind the cockpit. He will also be able to talk with Wing Commander Tacon and the crew on the inter-communication system, as well as with the three detectives, who have a cabin to themselves in the tail. Below each window is a.small cupboard which can be used for books or handbags, and there are special tables : for playing cards.

These interested all of the Royal Family, who obviously intend to play if they'find flying monotonous.

Fluorescent lighting is used throughout the aircraft, and special polarised glass screens can be fitted to the windows in the event of glare.

By each seat there is also a reading light and a bell to summon the steward. * Both cabins as,'e perfectly soundproof and have trays provided for smokers. Above the seats are dials showing the height and true airspeed of the aircraft, and each cabin has a specially designed indicator, which automatically corrects the effect of the decreasing density of the atmosphere as the aircraft climbs higher, and makes allowance for temperature. Two wardrobes are on either side of the door separating the cabins. E’eatui'cs which caught the Queen’s eye were the canteen in the pantry in which the cutlery is held in place by rubber stubs, and the shining chromium sink. axe for emergency

The King appeared interested in an axe near the doorway which is for use in emergency, and in the shaving mirror in the toilet which has special lighting. Panels above the seats requesting passengers to adjust safety belts, or to stop smoking, can be lit up from the pilot’s seat, and caught the attention of Princess Elizabeth.

The Queen spent some time talking with the crew and noted Wing Commander Tncon's “New Zealand" labs. She enquired when he had last been home.

When he said he hoped it might be possible to pay a visit after the tour ended Her Majesty remarked that she expected it could be arranged. “We are now all ready with the crews,” said Wing Commander Tacon. “and everyone has flown for 200 hours in a Viking. FOUR PLANES

“Our first aircraft took off today with an advance party of 10. “They will fiy to Capetown, via Malta. Cairo. Khartoum, Juba. Tabora (Lake Victoria), and Salisbury, taking about four days.

“I expect to be the last to leave England with the King’s aircraft, and will probably get away about February 1 or 2.

"We have no idea yet of our flying 'Schedule in South Africa.” The King's Flight comprises four aircraft, including one fitted as a workshop.

“They are beautiful things to fly,” said Wing-Commander Tacon, “and we cruise along comfortably at 160 knots*