FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22256, 2 November 1935, Page 14

FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS

TIIE HERALD CONTESTS MORE THAN 100 ENTRIES TESTING OF CANDIDATES More than 100 enthusiasts have entered already for the aviation scholarships offered by the proprietors of the Xkw Zealand Herald, and it is anticipated that this number will be greatly exceeded before entries close. Two scholarships arc offered, one tenable at Mangoro aerodrome and the other at the Waikato airport, Rukuhia. The contests, which arc open to all residents of tho Auckland Province over 10 years old and under 30, are being organised by tho Auckland Aero Club. Unfavourable flying weather during tho week resulted in the testing of applicants being postponed, but eflorts are being made to carry out trials as soon as possible, to avoid a waiting-list accumulating. For the convenience of intending competitors who are unable to attend either at or at Rukuhia, the club is arranging for its two instructors, Flight-Lieutenants D. M. Allan and W. H. Lett, to visit Gentry centres where there are suitable landing grounds. Each entrant is required to pay £1 to cover the cost of the flying test. After tho functions of the controls and instruments have been explained by the instructor, every applicant is given a flight of about 15 minutes, during which he or she assumes control of the machine and ilies according to the instructor's commands. Six finalists will be chosen at each centre, and will be subjected to a second test, after which tho winners will bo selected. The winners will receive free instruction until they obtain A licences, and the other finalists will become associate members of the club until April 30 next year. Entry forms may be obtained from the club's office in Auckland, from Mangere aerodrome, or from the Waikato airport, llukuhia. Candidates under 21 years old are required to obtain the consent of their parents before they may compete. This clause has already resulted in. one amusing situation, a nervous mother having given permission for her son to enter provided that the instructor was careful to fly slowly with him, and at a low altitude. It is pointed out by the club that such tactics are anything but desirable, as a machine must fly relatively fast to respond properly to controls, while the higher an aeroplane is flying, the more tho pilot can manoeuvre in safety.