MEETING OF AERO CLUB

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1932, Page 7

MEETING OF AERO CLUB

WESTERN FEDERATED AREA ADDITIONAL PLANE GRANTED. CLUB MACHINES IN GOOD ORDER The quarterly meeting of the Western Federated Flying Club was held yesterday at Wanganui. Delegates present were Messrs. A. S. Burgess (chairman), J. R. Franklin, S. A. Gibbons (Wanganui), S. W. Simpson, V. B. Short, E. E. Short (Feilding), A. F. Sandford, C. Hadnan, S. E. Nielson (New Plymouth) and A. Salter (ground engineer). Apologies for non-attenedance were received from Dr. W. F. Buist and Mr. W. G. Walkley (Hawera). There was no representative from Manawatu. ' A letter was received officially confirming the granting of a new plane to the club. Mr. Nielson said the plane was expected to arrive about MarchDefence headquarters inquired whether the club would prefer a wooden type rather than a metal machine. Mr. Salter and Captain Gibbons both advocated that a metal plane was preferable. Instruc- ( tor lan Keith was said to be of the same opinion. It was resolved that the club preferred a metal machine. A letter from Defence headquarters stated that the minimum number of pilots to be subsidised would be 11, It was resolved that Instructor Keith be advised and requested to obtain the necessary number by March 31. Gatherings of planes at week-end rallies were discussed. It was suggested that it was undesirable for all four planes to be away at any one time. The •meeting thought that except on official occasions, not more than two planes should go away for any one function. Mr. Burgess suggested that the arrangements for week-end rallies might be left to the New Zealand Aero Club. If it was to individual clubs misunderstandings were likely to arise. No motion was passed. The question of third party insurance on planes was considered. One company was reported to be offering a policy at a premium of £l5 a plane. It was decided to take no action. ■

A report was read from Captain Gibbons referring to an accident with one of the planes caused by a defect when taking off with the tail of the plane too high. It was decided that the instructor should teach members the peculiar tendency and the method of avoiding accident due thereto. i Correspondence was read from interested parties concerning the air screws supplied by a certain firm. The meeting was of opinion -that the ait. screws had not been proved faulty, ' ' . . Mr. Salter reported all the club’s machines to be in excellent order.

MEMBER SUSPENDED. Mr. W. Stanton, of the New Plymou& Aero Club, was reported for low flying and stunting over the New Plymouth hangar after having been warned several times. It was resolved that Mr. Stanton be suspended from flying until he fi. .- nished an adequate explanation to be dealt with by the flying committee. The Wanganui club abandoned a request for planes in the New Year, and asked for use of the planes in February when it was hoped Sir Charles Kingsford Smith would be there. The use of the club’s planes was granted to New Plymouth while Sir Charles was there, congratulations being extended to New Plymouth on.its being the chosen landing place. Best wishes for a successful outcome were expressed, i A- letter of sympathy and wishes for a speedy recovery will be sent to Squad* ron-Leader M. C. McGregor.