MASS FLYING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21763, 31 March 1934, Page 3 (Supplement)

MASS FLYING

AERIAL RUNABOUTS LIGHT MACHINES FOR £IOO Fifty thousand people in Britain may soon be flying their own private aeroplanes. Plans are already on foot to produce by co-operative action huge j numbers of two-seater air cars that will cost 110 more than a baby motor-car. The speech of the Prince of Wales at the Air Ports Conference in London recently has turned the attention of the public to the possibilities of the small low-priced aeroplane. A scheme which has been tried with conspicuous success in America is now finding many supporters in Great Britain also. This plan, which is being discussed wherever airmen and women meet, was carried through in the following manner: Pilots and their friends all over the United States were circulated and asked if they would be prepared to buy an aerial runabout if it could be marketed at a price of approximately £l4O. The response to this appeal in the United States was overwhelming—so,ooo pilots and would-be pilots promised their support. It- is felt that the suggestion in Britain would be received with equal enthusiasm, especially as it is hoped that the price of the machine there would amount to no more than £IOO. The standing type of aeroplane chosen will be capable of 100 miles an hour with a landing speed as low as 25 miles an hour. It will be just as easy to fly as the small car is to drive. If the plan is launched in England it is hoped that assistance might be forthcoming from the Government in the shape of a grant.