AERO CLUB'S YEAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20580, 3 June 1930, Page 12

AERO CLUB'S YEAR.

GOOD PROGRESS MADE. STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION. The work of the Auckland Aero Club in fostering interest in aviation during the past year is outlined in the report which is to be presented at tho annual meeting of tho club on June 18. From all viewpoints the year was most successful. Tho past year was tho first during which flying operations had been carried on for the whole 12 months, the report states, and the. committee was fully satisfied with the progress made. At the end of the financial year there were 550 members. of whom 95 were pupils and 43 pilots. The club trained 24 pilots during the year, and eight more, who were awaiting 'tests by April 30, qualified early in May. The club's machines had registered a total of 1566 hours' (lying time, and had carried 1373 passengers. At, the close of tho financial year the cluli's plant consisted of five Gipsy Moth machines, one the gift of tho Nf.w Zealand Herat,d, two purchased out of tho club's funds, and 1 lie other two 011 loan from the Government. Iho repair bill for the year had been moderate. The lease of tho present aerodrome had been extended until January 31. 1931, but it was essential to secure permanent headquarters at an early date. At tho Mangero aerodrome there was accommodation for nine machines, and a mechanic's workroom had also been built.

The pageant lield this year was not as successful as the club's first function from the point of view of financial returns, but the flying by club-trained pilots was excellent. It was felt that pageants in future should be held at an earlier date, in order that better weather might be encountered.

The balance-sheet shows the club's finances to be in a particularly strong position. Tho art union held during tho year resulted in a profit of £12.624, and tho working profit for the year was £386.