UNIQUE FLIGHTS

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1935, Page 5

UNIQUE FLIGHTS

MODEL PLANES ON MOUNT EGMONT TWO DISAPPEAR IN CLOUDS. The first flight of me del aeroplanes from Mt. Egmont, possibly the first in the world from a snow-capped mountain, were made on Saturday by feven members of the New Plymouth Model Flying Club, who staged their novelty flying event at the summit. The climb began at 11.5 a.m., the members carrying their planes in a box strapped to the back. No snow encountered till the crater was reached, and when the top was gained the excitement began. Planes were fitted together and tested, and then flown from the top. The planes were watched with naked eye and binoculars and timed by stop watch. The best flight of the day was with the club’s specially prepared plane launched by R. Ward, the club’s captain, which flew for 32 minutes 27 3-ss. when it disappeared into a cloud. As soon as the watch was stopped the plane appeared again for a short time and then disappeared again out of sight still flying well inti, the clouds. By this time it had dropped and was lower than the top of the mountain. The next best flight was by a ‘Peanut” launched by B. Mason, which flew for 29 minutes 34 1-5 seconds. This plane dropped quicker than the club’s special and struck the clouds sooner. It was still flying well when it disappeared. Five planes were started, the remaining three crashing on the side of the mountain and only one was recovered. The two planes which kept flying took a course in the Okato-Rahotu direction, and the club would be grateful for their return if found. The only disadvantages connected with the flights are that they cannot be claimed as records or official, for all such must be flown off level ground. But it shows the interest that the New Plymouth Flying Club has in aviation to attempt and achieve such remarkable results, which were only possible through all conditions at the top of the mountain being absolutely perfect for flying. The club is now preparing for another novelty event to be held shortly.