CIVIL AVIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19929, 24 April 1928, Page 12

CIVIL AVIATION.

FLYING IN AUCKLAND. FORMATION OF A CLUB. THE FIRST DEFINITE STEP. The move for tho formation of an aero club in Auckland took definite shape last evening, when, at a meeting of enthusiasts, a strong and influential committee wan set up, and provisional rules considered. All financial obstacles have been overcome, and arrangements are so far advanced that applications may be made for membership. The organisation will be advanced another step on Friday, at a public meeting in the Chamber of Commerce. Auckland's quota of two of the eight machines ordered by the Government, will be available within six months, and immediately afterwards the club will commence to function actively.

The meeting last evening was a private one, Mr. H. T. Merritt presiding over an attendance of 30. The committee appointed was as follows: —Messrs. W. A. Boucher, C. Burgess, R. A. Laidlaw, H. T. Merritt, G. Henning, J. W. White, F. B. Cadman, Major K. Caldwell, Major G. A. C. Cowper, Captain Euan Dickson, Captain J. Scabrook and Mr. D. Harkness. The last five are all experienced airmen. Major Cowper was appointed honorary secretary, and Mr. L. W. Swan the treasurer.

Apart from those mentioned on the committee, men interested in the club include Mr. Li. Walsh, founder of private aviation in the Dominion, Captain L. M. Isitt, who is to command the Hobsonvillo air base, and Mr. Douglas Mill, who has introduced tho first Jight aeroplane into New Zealand. They were all present last evening. The club will probably be known as tho New Zealand Aero Club, Auckland Branch. The two light aeroplanes due sometime in September will be the property of the club, subject to Government regulations. The club, however, will not be restricted to the use of two machines, and for every additional aeroplane purchased out of club funds, the Government will provide another machine. Although conditions of membership have not been definitely decided upon there will probably be three grades of membership—active members, associate members, and pupil members. Fees will probably range from £1 Is up to £lO 10s.

It is intended to make the club a social one, with a clubhouse, tennis court and other amenities of club life. Expert pilots will be provided to teach pupils, to fly, and it is estimated it will cost the average beginner about £4O to gain a certificate. The rules and regulations to be adopted by the club will follow closely those in use by Australian clubs. Thus, a fully qualified pilot will be able to hire a club aeroplane at 30s an hour, with the additional cost of benzine. The club has ascertained that the Government will allow it the use of landing and taking off facilities at Hobsonville, while arrangements have been made with Mr. G, Henning to use his speedway at Mangere, which will bo particularly handy for beginners. Major Cowper stated that if the club purchased an additional aeroplane he would like to see a different make of machine from those being purchased by the Government, imported. It would be in the interests of flying if pilots were taught to manipulate more than one type of aeroplane.