New Aircraft in Dominion

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27038, 24 March 1949, Page 6

New Aircraft in Dominion

A new four-seater British aircraft, which compares very favourably with American machines, took the air for the first time in New Zealand at Auckland recently. It was a Chrislea Super Ace, two of which have been imported and will shortly be seen in various parts of New Zealand. A tricycle undercarriage combined with sleek lines and a glossy metal finish pointed with royal blue gives the Chrislea Super Ace a very modern appearance. The appearance of such an aircraft from a British factory shows very clearly that the advantage held by American manufacturers in the construction of light aircraft has rapidly been overtaken. The Ace cruises at 112 miles per hour, and its landing speed is as low as 50 miles per hour. It will operate from small fields with-

out any difficulty, because the take-off distance it requires is only 185 yards and its landing run is a mere 100 yards. The fuel consumption of the aircraft is 6£ gallons per hour, and, allowing for a head wind of 10 miles per hour, its range is 400 miles. The interior of the aircraft demonstrates that a siderable effort has been made to provide comfort for the pilot and passengers. The back seat is built like an armchair, with a pillow headrest, and it, as well as the two front seats, was designed only after 3000 measurements had been taken to arrive at a satisfactory average. Washable royal blue plastic material is used for the seats, and the floor is covered with deep pile sea blue carpet. The price of the Chrislea in New Zealand is £2650.