HOME-MADE MONOPLANE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20528, 1 April 1930, Page 10

HOME-MADE MONOPLANE

SUCCESSFUL FLYING TEST. ASCENT AT WHAKATANE. MILE COVERED IN THE AIR. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT-! WHAKATANE, Monday. A flying test was made ljy Mr. John Allison at the Ohopo Beach yesterday with the monoplane which he had built himself and which had previously undergone successful ground tests.

The test yesterday proved a successful one, the aviator rising to a height of about 60ft., and the machine flew for about a mile. The weather was ideal for the purpose, and a crowd, estimated at 2000, assembled on the beach. A number of people came from Rotorua and Opotiki. Major C. A. Cowper flew from Rotorua to the beach in half an hour. He referred to Ohope as a wonderful beach, ideally suited for flying purposes on account of its extent and the hard stretch of sand.

Before trying out his own aeroplane Mr. Allison went up in Major Cowper's Moth. He was given control of tho machine and made a good landing.

By this time the crowd had become very expectant, and at about 1 p:m. Mr. Allison got into bis monoplane and was warmly cheered as ho taxied off. 'lwice he loso, and on the third occasion reached a height of between 50ft. and 60ft. and flew for about a mile. He. then found that the engine did not appear to bo functioning at it should do, and be very wisely decided to land. *

An overhaul of tho engine was then made, and it was decided to postpone any further flight until a thorough inspection had been made. It is possible a further flight will bo made one day this week.