FIRST AIR TAXI FLIES HERE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1024, 15 July 1930, Page 1

FIRST AIR TAXI FLIES HERE

NOVELTY FOR AUCKLANDERS

FLIGHTS IN CABIN MONOPLANE

Air travel in comfort appeals to airminded Aucklanders. During the week-end a large number of flying enthusiasts were attracted to Vie Mangere airdrome, where a new three-seater Dessoutter monoplane was busily engaged carrying passengers who found it a pleasing change from the open machine, to travel in a snug cabin, shielded from the blast of the wind and the biting cold.

With this machine, the first definite move to place flying in New Zealand on a commercial basis has been made. The X>essoutter has been acquired by a newly-formed aerial company, United Transport, Ltd-, which intends to have its headquarters at Hamilton, where a spacious airdrome is being prepared. Ever since the advent of aero clubs throughout the country, rumour has been rifo of many new concerns starting up to run air services over regular routes, but nothing of a definite nature has taken place, mainly owing, perhaps, to the refusal of the Government to provide a subsidy. Joy rides from airdromes and holiday resorts have, of course, been in vogue for somo time, but as yet the business man, the doctor, and many others who, with limited time, wish to go from place to place, have found little convenience in the airplane. OPERATED FROM HAMILTON

Besides the Dessoutter, the company has also a two-seater machine and agents have been established in Auckland, Hamilton and Rotorua for the purpose of running an air taxi service at the lowest cost possible.

which is 2s a mile in the three-seater machine, and Is 3d in the smaller plane. These costs will be calculated on road mileage, less 15 per cent. The company, which has the services of Major G. A. C- Cowper, who was the _____________ first instructor to

•the Auckland Aero Club, also intends to give instruction to pupils and to undertake aerial photography work. It was quite evident at the Mangere airdrome on Sunday that Aucklanders have not in the past had the opportunity to become acquainted with the comfort of n cabin tnnnn-

or a cabin monoplane and less so, the habit of going into the air without the necessity of being clad in flying helmet, goggles and topcoat. There was a touch of novelty in flying in the Dessoutter. Many of the passengers did not even bother to remove their hats and sat there as though in a sedan car and, without earphones or shouting themselves hoarse, could converse with the other occupants of the plane; pleasing contrast from the light training machine where the passenger is isolated in the front cock-pit. The pilo-t sits right forward, while the two passengers are directly behind, side by;side. The seats are comfortable, and is ample leg room, While there are large glass windows in front and on both sides. The absence of the lower wing gives an unobstructed- view of the ground.