FLYING IN HEAVY CLOUDS

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1933, Page 7

FLYING IN HEAVY CLOUDS

NEW PLYMOUTH TO ROTORUA SOUTHERN CROSS GOES THROUGH. OTHER PLANES LAND ELSEWHERE. PASSENGER DESCRIBES TRIP. An indication of the flying capabilities of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith can be gained from the fact that, of the three planes that left New Plymouth for Rotorua on Tuesday afternoon, the Southern Cross was the only one to land at Rotorua. Heavy clouds delayed the monoplane an hour and a landing was not made until 5.10 p.m. The Waco piloted by Captain G. Belt alighted in a paddock at Cambridge, after experiencing engine trouble, and Squadron-Leader H. J. Butler turned- back in the Rotorua Airways Puss Moth when thick weather was encountered in the Mamaku Hills, and landed at Hamilton. An account of the trip after leaving New Plymouth until arrival in Rotorua, was given to a Rotorua Post representative by Mr. J. D. Davys, president of the Rotorua Airways, who with Mr. M. Hutton, manager of Brent’s, Ltd., made the journey at the special invitation of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. “We left New Plymouth at ten minutes past two,” said Mr. Da yy®» “there being twelve passengers in addition to the two pilots, together with a fair amount of heavy baggage. “The weather was overcast and the clouds low on the sea coast. The only weather report available had come from Rotorua and Sir Charles was not sure whether he would be able. to cross the ranges between the sea and the Waikato on account of the restricted visibility. New Zealand has no accurate aerial maps and consequently blind flying is neither advisable nor safe. CONDITIONS IMPROVE. “When the plane reached a point on the coast practically parallel with Waitomo the clouds lifted considerably and Sir Charles signalled the anxious passengers by putting his ‘thumbs up’ that the course was clear. “The Southern Cross was accompanied' by Squadron-Leader A. J. Butler in the Rotorua Airways’. Puss Moth and Captain Bolt in a Wellington Aero Club’s American Waco machine. At this point all turned inland and fine, clear weather continued ftp to Putaruru. “There were heavy clouds, and a thick mantle of mist over the Mamaku range and it was impossible to see ahead. Sir Charles, headed the Southern Cross towards Atiamuri and started to rise to a height of 6000 feet. The heavy clouds were still impenetrable and rain was falling all round the plane- The heavy load precluded the possibility of rising higher and after several attempts to get through without losing visibility the plane , was brought down close to the ground. A FINAL ATTEMPT. , “Anticipating that it was perhaps not advisable to go through to Rotorua, one .last attempt was made by Sir Charles before deciding whether to make for Hamilton. “Returning to Mamaku the Southern Cross was brought down to a lower level and the mist and rain cleared almost like magic and a clear and uninterrupted view of Lake Rotorua was suddenly presented. From then on no difficulty, whatever was experienced and after circling the landing field a perfect landing was made.” The masterly manner; in’. which Sir Charles Kingsford Smith handled. the plane was remarked upon by Mr. Davys, who said he thoroughly enjoyed the .trip. When passing over Hinuera, the escorting Waco plane, piloted by Captain Bolt, dropped behind;- and tilting its wing disappeared from view. Thinking it inadvisable to cross the Mamakus in the poor visibility, Squad-ron-Leader Butler turned back and landed, at Hamilton in the Rotorua Airways’ Puss Moth.' SWELTERING HEAT AT GISBORNE. GREAT WELCOME TO AIRMAN. Gisborne, Last Night A blue sky, a calm day and sweltering heat met Sir Charles Kingsford Smith on his arrival at Gisborne at 2.55 p.m. On landing at the Waikanae beach Sir Charles was greeted with enthusiasm, the crowd estimated at from 10,000 to 12,000 being the largest ever seen at Gisborne.

Sir Charles was welcomed by the Mayor (Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P.) and the presidents of the R.S.A. and the Aero Club. The remainder of the afternoon was devoted to commercial flying.