AERODROME PROGRESS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17411, 8 November 1930, Page 15

AERODROME PROGRESS

AUCKLAND CLUB’S PLANS IMPROVED LANDING GROUND MEETING FUTURE NEEDS Improvements to the landing ground and the erection of a large, modern clubhouse are two works now being undertaken by the Auckland Aero Club. The club recently purchased an area of 82 acres at Manger© for the. development- of an aerodrome. Part ot the area had previously been held under a lease, which Was due to expire at the end of this year. It is anticipated that the clubhouse will be completed by the end of January, but it will he some months later before full advantage will bo taken of the extended binding-ground. Tho portion of the property which the club has used since its inception provided excellent runways in most directions. hut- when the wind was in one direction the length of runway Was short and proved somewhat- difficult for a pupil embarking on his first solo flight. Two small gullies are now being filled with earth removed from mounds which had also presented some difficulties in budding. Tho general levelling of' the ground will result in the club having a landing-ground with an overall length, north and south, of 860 yards; east and west, 740 yards; north-east and southwest, 720 yards; and north-west- ami south-east, 660 yards. The shortest runway in any direction will he over 500 yards. This area will he sufficiently commodious to provide, ah .excellent land-ing-ground for the largest cohimeVcial aeroplanes likely to be used in New Zealand.

DESIGN OF CLUBHOUSE If is hoped to lei the contract for erecting the new clubhouse, within the next, fortnight. The clubhouse, will he a two-storeyed wooden structure. The main Jtali, 40ft. by over 30ft., will overlook the living-ground. In the eastern wing of the building will be a reading room, a large servevv and canteen and a spacious kitchen. Alongside, with a separate entrance, will he quarters for the resident house Staff. The upstairs portion of the building will not be completely equipped With living 'quarters for club members, hut there will be a dormitory providing Accommodation fob from four to six members. It is hoped later to equip six or eight separate bedrooms on this floor. HANGAR TO BE ENLARGED The present hangar will ho used for somO time after the clubhouse is completed to allo\v the newly-formed portion of the landing-ground to consolidate. However, it is proposed, in six or nine months, to remove the hangar to the western boundary of the property adjacent to the clubhouse. The hangar will ho redesigned and enlarged to provide accommodation for the whole of tho club’s flying plant and to house in addition a number of priVately-owned and visiting machines. Provision hill also be made for offices for the chief instructor, the ground engineer and the club captain. A spacious workshop will also ho included mid a canteen will ho attached for the convenience of Visitors other than club members.

The club’s plant now 'Comprises five standard Moth machines and one of the latest metal Moths will arrive shortly. The dub is negotiating for the purchase of the latest type Puss Moth, a cabin type machine sealing a pilot and two passengers. Tho amenities to he included at the club will include two tennis courts. A badminton court and a ping-pong table will be installed in tile hangar. The club also anticipates the early provision of a miniature golf course and a shimming pool.