DOMINION'S MONOPLANE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 1509, 16 January 1914, Page 8

DOMINION'S MONOPLANE.

ARRANGING FOR FLIGHT.

TYPES OF AIRCRAFT

Arrangements are in progress for the public flight of the Dominion monoplane, Britannia, which is to take place in the Domain on the afternoon of Anniversary Day, January 29. Mr. J. J. Hammond, who is to be the pilot of the machine, which is lying at Epcom, is making all preparations for the event.

| Many people confuse the terms " aeroplane" and "monoplane." All heavier-'•ban-air machines are aeroplanes. The distinction in type is determined bv structural considerations. Machines which have only one set of wings are known as monoplanes, those with double wings being called biplanes. There are triplanes also, but not many of this class of aeroplane are built. '

Monoplanes require to be handled carefully. Their speed is far greater than that of biplanes, and consequently they are more liable to accident.

A slight technical defect in the tractor of the Britannia has been discovered by Mr. Hammond, but this he can very easily remedy. The tractor of the Dominions monoplane, which is in front, and draws the machine through the air, instead of propelling it as is the case with some kinds of aircraft, is made of six pieces of wood and weighs from 201b to 301b. Its height is about Bft 9in, and it is an " Integral" tractor, a make which is well known at Home and on the Continent, "Integral" tractors have been adopted by the world's leading aviators, and have been used on machines which have won most of the j flying prizes in Europe. In putting the Britannia together, Mr. Hammond is labouring under a disadvantage in that he has not received any spare parts. A New Zealander, born at Fielding, Mr. Hammond is a very experienced aviator. He has flown in the principal countries of the world, and has won many prizes for firing. In addition, he holds a" commission as lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps (Special Reserve). Some little time ago he made flights over Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, and had a very successful tour in Australia.

Arrangements are also being made for an evening aviation display at the Domain. The Britannia will be illuminated with electric liaht. and will cany a powerful searchlight.