SMALL AIRCRAFT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22346, 18 February 1936, Page 16

SMALL AIRCRAFT

INTEREST IN DOMINION « FLYING FLEA" TYPE PENROSE MAN'S VENTURE The view that the axlvent of light aeroplanes of the miniature type of construction as demonstrated in the model known as the "Flying Flea" will popur larise flying in the Dominion to a surprising degree is expressed by a Penrose resident. Mr. It. D. Downey, who has commenced to build one of these machines. When seen yesterday Mr. Downey said this opinion was not merely speculative, but was based on the interest which has been manifested in his declared intention to construct a "Plying Flea" machine.

He stated that, in reply to an advertisement which he recently inserted in the Herald requesting interested persons to write him, ho received 320 replies from all over the Dominion. From the great interest displayed, said Mr. Downey, he felt that the light aeroplane had captured the enthusiasm and imagination of many hundreds of young men and had given a decided stimulus to national air-mindedness. Mr. Downey, who is a New Zealander, is p. qualified aircraft engineer holding the A, 13, C, D and X certificates from the Controller of Civil Aviation. He has had extensive experience in aircraft construction and repair overseas in-New Guinea and Fiji.

He said that the manufacture of the "Flj'ing Flea" type of aircraft would undoubtedly be governed by regulations framed by the Department of Aviation. Since he had commenced activities a fortnight ago, financial interests had offered to assist him in developing the construction of these light machines as a commercial venture. He had decided, however, to proceed with the construction of the machine in a private capacity.

Mr. Downey said he was constructing, with the aid of his son and another young model aeroplane enthusiast, one of the standard type of machines. It would have a wing span of 16ft. 3in. and the length of the machine would be lift. 3in. overall. The total weight of such a craft was about 3751b. Machines of that type were powered by a Scott or Carden engine, which gave a cruising speed of 70 miles an hour and a landing speed of 20 miles an hour.

All the materials being used in construction, continued Mr. Downey, were of the class and type specified by the Aviation Inspection Directorate. The construction of ribs of the main wing was well advanced, and he hoped to have the machine completed within a few weeks.