WOULD-BE AIRMAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 714, 13 July 1929, Page 9

WOULD-BE AIRMAN

SEAPLANE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION TAKAPUNA MECHANIC’S TASK A seaplane of the low-wing monoplane desigu is being constructed in. a Takapuna garage by Mr. Keith M. Carter, a motor mechani', and should be ready to take off about Christmas. The fusilage has already been completed and dual controls fitted. It will cost about £250.

Mr. Carter is following plans and specifications sent out by an American company specially for home constructtors, but certain departures from the methods laid down are to be made. The machine was originally designed for a biplane land machine, and the specifications allowed for a singleseater plane using a converted Ford engine. Mr. Carter believes that by using a special aero engine of double the power stated he will be able to take off with the extra loading. The total unloaded weight will be about 6501 b. The plane will be smaller than a Moth, having a wing spread of 2Sft. and a length of about ISft. Gin. Its weight will be considerably less, the fusilage being made of mahogany three-ply braced with steel tie rods, and sheet aluminium cowling. Strength and lightness have been made possible in the tail unit by triangular frames covered with sheet aluminium. The stabiliser is adjustable and will be set by experiment. The rudder is shaped to give light control. All parts are easily demountable for adjustment or repair. No pulleys are used, the controls being all direct acting through cranks and push rods. The petrol tanks, of heavy aluminium, will be built into the roots of the wings, which are to be fabric covered with a flat lifting surface as on the Blackburn Bluebird plane. Should Mr. Carter decide to use a small engine of about 30 h.p., several makes of which are available, the plane will carry a pilot alone.