AERIAL DEFENCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19126, 22 September 1936, Page 13

AERIAL DEFENCE

WORK OF FLYING CLUBS PREPARATION OF PILOTS The important contribution to tlie defence of New Zealand likely to bo made by the aero clubs, in view of the recent Ministerial statement that aircraft were regarded as the first arm of defence in the Dominion, was commented upon by Mr. L. W • Swan, secretary of the Auckland Aero Club. In stressing the necessity .for ,n reserve of pilots, Mr. Swan pointed out that 140 flyers had been trained in Auckland, nnd that the total number trained bv the 11 subsidised clubs would be’nearly 3OOt). This was a substantia] nucleus of a force of pilots, who would require little time to fit themselves for the defence of their country. There were also others who could give service in an emergency. The provision, of adequate machines for training purposes was discussed by Mr. Swan. lie said that the aeroplanes at present in use for training did not differ in the main principles from the more modern types. Thus, pupils were afforded the means of developing their flying ability to a stage where no great time would be required to prepare them for defence service, once suitable machines were available. Simultaneously, pupils could embark on a study of aircraft, engines, air navigation and meteorology, a knowledge of which was necessary for later examinations.

The aero club movement was insiit.uted eight years ago, Mr. Swan eoneluded. The Government had subsidised clubs to a limited extent by issuing aircraft and assisting pupils between certain ages. The clubs, apart from creating a reserve of pilots, had since done much in spreading air-minded-ness through the Dominion.