FAST LAND PLANES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23319, 12 April 1939, Page 13

FAST LAND PLANES

EMPIRE COMMUNICATIONS VIEWS OF VISITING EXPERTS [by telegraph —OWN correspondent] NEW PLYMOUTH, Tuesday The use of land planes for Empire communications jvas informally discussed by the New Plymouth Airport Board and other organisations with Sir Donald Banks and Air-Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore, members of the British Air Mission, during their visit to New Plymouth to-day. The remarkable performance of some of the latest typo of aeroplanes was quoted. Members of the mission were unable to give any definite information 'on the question, although they remarked that fast land planes could be used for express services, 'to supplement the flying-boat services, if the expense were warranted. The visitors expressed the view that flying-boats were likely to be retained for some years on the ordinary services. However, the construction of land planes which could cruise at 250 miles an hour, ar.d cover 2000 miles non-stop, opened up new possibilities which would have to be considered. Such machines could bring New Zealand within a week of London.

The visit of the two members of the air mission was unofficial. Sir Donald Banks said they had not intended to include the New Plymouth airport in their itinerary, beciuse they did not come to New Zealand to see civil aerodromes. However, they decided to make the visit as they appreciated the interest in aviation displayed in New Plymouth.