FAST FLIGHT TO AUCKLAND

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1931, Page 9

FAST FLIGHT TO AUCKLAND

TRIP FROM NEW PLYMOUTH 150 MILES IN UNDER TWO HOURS. PILOT TRAINED AT AUCKLAND. A flight from New Plymouth to Auckland in only an hdtir and three-quarters was made by a Gipsy Moth aeroplane piloted by Mr. J. M. Stevenson, Auckland, and carrying as a passenger his brother, Mr. W. A. Stevenson. The distance .is about 160 miles if the coastline is followed.: Messrs. Stevenson arrived at New Plymouth by ’plane on Monday in connection with a contract. When the two men went to the Bell Block aerodrome at 10 o’clock on Thursday morning the wind was very gusty anil the machine did not leave until 2.40 p m The wind had not moderated appreciably, but as conditions were- otherwise excellent it was decided to make the trip. , . . It was necessary to climb to a height of 5000 ft. to avoid the bumps experienced at "lower altitudes. Following the - coastline the aeroplane was kept at 5000ft.t until the Waikato . River was reached, when the machine descended to 2000 ft. After passing Kawhia the pilot struck a course inland over Pukekohe to the Mangere aerodrome, reaching there at 4.30. Visibility during the whole of the flight was excellent; Even at 5000 ft. no clouds were encountered and the two occupants of the aeroplane were afforded splendid panorainic views of the coastline extending for many miles. When Mr. W. A. Stevenson stepped into .the machine at Auckland on Monday prior to leaving New Plymouth he was beginning his first flight. “The bupipiness encountered during the early stages of the return flight was a novel experience for him,” said hiswrother. This is the first individual flight of a long distance made by a member in one of the Auckland Aero Club machines. It is possible for qualified members approved by the club instructor to undertake long cross-country flights.