CIVIL AVIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26367, 23 January 1947, Page 6

CIVIL AVIATION

USE OF FLYING BOATS FACILITIES IN DOMINION PA.. AUCKLAND, Jan. 22. A former Director-general of Aircraft Production for the British Government during the Second World War and a prominent figure in the British aircraft industry, Sir John Buchanan arrived by flying boat from Sydney today. “I am here to find out what operating conditions are like in New Zealand. I want to see what type of aircraft can be used to suit local requirements and how our company can meet the needs,” said Sir John ,who is technical director of Short Brothers. His tour was also undertaken to gain practical experience and information on the operation of the Tasman and Empire flying boats as it was extremely important for manufacturers to know how aircraft were used. “One of the merits of flying boats is that they save the enormous costs of constructing aerodromes, and here in New Zealand, where there are such fine water landing facilities, there are great opportunities for, the use of flying boats,” Sir John said. His company expected that one of their aircraft, a twin-engined amphibian named Sealand, which was now under construction, would suit New Zealand conditions. Sir John Is accompanied by Mr W. H. Hambrook, chief project engineer of Short Brothers, and Mr G. Puddicombe, technical representative of the company for New Zealand. He will fly to Wellington to-morrow to meet the directors of Tasman Empire Airways, and will also have discussions with National Airways and the civil aviation authorities.