AERO CLUB

Waipa Post, Volume 39, Issue 3086, 7 December 1929, Page 5

AERO CLUB

MEETING OF LOCAL MEMBERS. INTERVIEW WITH MAJOR COWPER. At the regular monthly meeting of the Te Awamutu Aero Club, on Thursday evening, Captain W. Maer kenzie presiding, Major Cowper, until recently pilot-instructor to the Auckland Aero Club and now filling a similar position with Hamilton Airways Ltd., attended by invitation to explain his firm’s position in regard to the instruction of pupils. Major Cowper, who was listened to attentively, stated that an aero club, on formation, is immediately faced with the initial expense of two machines—one for dual and one for solo flying—costing probably £IBOO. It has also to contemplate employing an instructor at from £6OO to, £750 a year.

A ground engineer, a hangar, etc., would probably increase the annual cost by say £6OO. Co-operation with the firm he represents would postpone practically all of that outlay, for Airways Ltd., would, at a charge of £5 per flying hour, undertake all dual instruction, supplying everything including an hour’s technical lecture once a week if three or four pupils enrolled at the same time. The club would be expected to arrange for the use of a suitable aerodrome near Te Awamutu. The instruction given the pup would fit him to obtain his “A ” license. To enable pupils to continue their flying it would, of bourse, be necessary for the club to obtain a machine later for solo flying. He was informed that there are several very suitable types of solo machines procurable at a cost of £450 upwards. Most aero clubs, said the major, charge a general entrance fee of- £l, with a subscription of £1 for nonflying members, and £3 for pilot and pupil members, with a further £9 entrance for pupils only, on joining as a pupil. To meet the charge of £5 per flying hour the club would charge its pupil members £4 and make up the difference from its own funds. Usually a pupil does not need more than eight hours’ instruction in a dual machine. The club would be entitled to arrange for the £25 bonus now being paid to aero-trained pupils by the Government. Continuing, Major Cowper said his firm has now four machines, with others on order. The club would not need its own machine for about three months after work commences. A pageant would probably prove very useful as part of the scheme for raising money, and if he could assist in’ any way in this connection he. would be happy to do so. In conclusion, he made it clear that it is not the policy of his firm to interfere in any way with local cluhs, but rather there was a real desire to co-operate fully in every way, including the enrolment of pupils. Then followed a full and free discussion, during which the visitor answered many questions, and at the close two local young men signified their intention of enrolling. The chairman, after- apologising for the absence of the president (Mr C. G. Downes), who was assisting at another function, said Mr Downes had not been able to submit a report on the proposal to secure permission from Messrs Taylor Bros., for restricted use of a very suitable area, of Green Hill Estate as a landing ground, but an interview would be arranged within the next few days. ,

Discussion turned on future meetings, and it was decided to hold the next general meeting on January ?. 9th, Captain Mackenzie undertaking to give a lecturette on that occasion upon the subject “ The Theory of Flying.” Mr Alex Hanna, of Te Mawhai, was listed for an address the following month on some aspects of the seaplane service in peace and war.