TYRO PILOTS TOO GOOD

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1934, Page 6

TYRO PILOTS TOO GOOD

AERO CLUB LANDING CONTEST. LICENSE-HOLDERS WELL BEATEN. Apparently it is not always the most experienced pilot who can make the neatest and most accurate landing under favourable conditions. In a landing competition for New Plymouth Aero Club pilots decided at the airport on Sunday, in which 16 pilots competed, the first two places were filled by pupil pilots who had not yet gained their A license. The winner, Mr. C. Turner, of the aerodrome ground staff, has had less than seven hours dual and solo in the air. The pilot whom he naiTowly beat was Mr. A. Smith, Pungarehu, who has had only an hour or two more instruction. The prize for the competition was a silver cup donated by a keen aero club member, Mr. S. Green. There were no handicaps and no entries were barred. Holders of both A and B licenses competed, and points were awarded on two three-point landings to the circle, the highest aggregate winning. The judges were Mr. Green and the club instructor, Mr. lan Keith. Conditions were made difficult for late competitors by a high wind and extremely bumpy air conditions. The trophy was presented at the conclusion of the competition.