AIRPORT SITE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22543, 7 October 1936, Page 16

AIRPORT SITE

ONERAHI PENINSULA J FAVOURABLE REPORTS MADE i % LONG RUNWAYS POSSIBLE [BY TELEGRAI'H —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANGAREI, Tuesday The opinion that the site at Onerahi as an aeroplane landing ground is easily the best so far inspected in the W'hangarei area, and that if the proposed layout is adopted an aerodrome adequate for the needs of Whangarei lor all time can bo constructed, is held by tlio Public Works Department, according to a report on the site submitted last evening to the Whangarei Airport Board. The district public works engineer, Mr. It. H. Pack wood, outlined in a letter some of tlio principal factors to be taken into account in weighing up the merits of tlio site. Advantages ol Site

"It is proposed to locato tho airport in a central situation on the elevated basaltic table-land which forms tho top of tho Onerahi Peninsula," said Mr. Packwood. "The particular area is roughly triangular in shape, with its major axis almost exactly in tho direction of tho prevailing winds, southwest and north-east, in which direction a runway of nearly 1000 yards is obtainable. Because of its altitude, which averages 125 ft. above mean sea level, this site is not subject to the ground mists which prevail on the lowlying reclaimed areas previously considered, nor is it affected to the same degree by heavy fogs; and what is, perhaps, of moro consequence, it is not open to objection on account of the possible risk of inundation by tidal or flood waters. Maintenance costs are likely to be at a minimum." lieportiiif* on its suitability from the flying point of view, the Air l'oree officer detailed to inspect the Onerahi site commented as follows: "The area offers considerable advantages over the reclamation sites previously inspected. It is comparatively level and approaches arc very good from all angles. There is ample space for all classes of aircraft." Regarding the time required for development, Mr. Packwood said ho was of the opinion that the sito possessed an advantage over Otaika of at least four, and possibly live, years. Question ol Classification "With reference to the important question of tho classification of tho airport." continued Mr. Packwood, "tho respective lengths of landingstrips necessary to comply with the requirements are: A class, 1000 yds.; li class, 800 yds.; C class, 660 yds; J) class, 600y(is. Discussing the class considered suitablo for hangarei iu> head office writes: —'To-day class C is looked upon as the minimum desirable for commercial operation, and wherever possible class B grounds should bo laid out. In view of the importance of Whangarei, in the North Auckland peninsula, it is considered that, if possible provision should bo made for class B.' " The proposed layout at Onerahi, continued Mr. Packwood, provided for a main runway of about 950 yds. in the direction of the prevailing wind, and also for two landing strips exceeding SOOyds. in length. It also provided the maximum directions for all observed wind conditions and would thus permit of the area coming well within the B classification. The meetinc, which was hold, in committee, after a lengthy discussion carried a resolution adopting a class B aerodrome for Whangarei, and held over further discussion on the Onerahi site until a meeting to be held later this week, when it is expected the site will be finally decided.