AIR PAGEANT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20779, 23 January 1931, Page 13

AIR PAGEANT.

TO-MORROW'S ATTRACTION.

DESCENTS BY PARACHUTE.

VISIT OF MR. GUY MENZIES.

A programme which should prove of exceptional interest both to aviation experts and tho general public has been arranged by the Auckland Aero Club for its pageant, to be held at the Mangere aerodrome to-morrow. Provided that the weather is suitable tho pageant promises to be the most enjoyable organised by the club, and in addition to the events which have formed a part of previous displays several novel items will be introduced.

Tho Australian airman Mr. Guy Menzies will arrive at tho aerodrome in the Southern Cross Junior, the Avian sports machine in which he crossed the Tasman Sea, at 11 a.m., and will be welcomed by tho Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon. Mr. Menzies will give a demonstration of "acrobatics" during the day, -while his aeroplane, which was previously used by Air-Commodore Kingsford Smith to fly from England to Australia, will be placed so that the public can view it to the best advantage. Two Parachute Descents. Two events which are likely to provide excitement will bo tho parachute descents by Lieutenant H. Quiller, a noted parachutist. who was invited to come to New Zealand by tho Auckland Aero Club. At three o'clock in the afternoon he will ascend in one of the Auckland Club's machines, piloted by Flying-Officer D. M. Allan, and on a signal from the hangar will leap from a height of 800 ft. It is possible for an experienced parachutist to regulate the speed of his descent, and Lieutenant Quiller will attempt to land in a white circle near the centre of the aerodrome. After tho first landing he will repack his parachute in view of tho public and at five o'clock will leap from an altitude of approximately one mile. He will again endeavour to land within tho limits of the aerodrome.

Ono of tho most spectacular events should be the exhibition of aerial fighting by Wing-Commander K. L. Caldwell and Flying-Officer Allan. They will take off from tho aerodrome and, having gained sufficient height, will demonstrate the usual methods of attack and defence employed in aerial warfare. Flying-Oflicor Allan will also give a demonstration of "aerobatics," including up-side-down flying, for which ho uses special harness. He is'one of the finest Moth pilots in New Zealand and tho exhibition will include practically every feat of which this typo of light aeroplane is capable. There will also bo "aerobatic" contests for A and B licenco pilots. Many Machines Present.

If the weather is suitable for the pageant a formation flight over the city will be made at about 8.30 a.m. and during the morning landing contests and bombing competitions will be held. The afternoon events will commenco with a grand parade of all the machines present. Tho final of the New Zealand aerial Derby will be held, and this will be followed by formation flying, led by Squad-ron-Leader J. Seabrook. The aerial drill will be under tho guidance of the formation leader and will be controlled by signals from him while in flight. The versatility of pilots will bo severely tested in tho transport race, in which competitors will be called upon to run a short distance, drive a car to their machines, fly over a circuit and back over tho finishing lino across the aerodrome, finishing the race in the air.

It is expected that there will be a large number of aeroplanes of various types at the pageant. Apart from the fivo Gipsy Moths and the Puss Moth of tho Auckland Aero Club, it is probable that there will be Mr. Menzies' Avro Avian, two machines from the Canterbury Aero Club, one from Hawke's Bay, two from Wellington, one from Wairara'pa, two from New Plymouth and six from the Wigram aerodrome. Although tho wellknown Moths will predominate several other types will be represented.