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completed by the Aerodromes Inspector oil this work. In addition to his inspection duties, the Aerodromes Inspector has been charged with the responsibility of conducting oral and practical examinations for the issue of Pilot's " A " Licences, and in the period under review he examined some 350 candidates. It has, however, been obvious for some time that one officer cannot deal with both the regular inspection of aerodromes and the conduct of examinations, and it is hoped that an Operations Officer (air testing) will shortly be appointed to take over the latter duties. (b) Technical and Research Activities in this sphere included — (i) The preparation of examination syllabi for flight crew personnel. (ii) The drafting of aircraft performance requirements for New Zealand in the interim period prior to the implementation of ICAO requirements. (iii) The approval of all aircraft weight and balance data affecting flight operation. (iv) The preparation of requirements for aircraft instruments, equipment, and safety devices. (v) The review of New Zealand aerodrome licences and the relation of aircraft performance to aerodrome dimensions. A large programme of work still remains to be undertaken, particularly in regard to aircraft performance. (c) Radio Calibration Under this heading it is necessary to allow for some 2,000 hours flying per annum in New Zealand and in the South Pacific area. During the latter part of the year under review appointments were being made to bring the personnel strength of this section up to twelve (six pilots, two navigators, three radio operators, and one flight engineer). The Branch is negotiating for the purchase of two Dakota aircraft, but in the meantime an aircraft is being operated under charter from the New Zealand National Airways Corporation. During the year a total of 665 hours of radio calibration work was completed by one crew, including one flight entailing 105 flying hours in the Pacific area. With the appointment of new pilots some twenty-four hours dual and solo training flying has been carried out. In addition to the matters referred to above, the Operations Section collaborated with the New Zealand National Airways Corporation and Tasman Empire Airways in the preparation of revised operations and route training manuals, which were duly approved by the Branch for the purpose of issuing Air Service Certificates to the respective operating companies. Reports on the operational requirements and limitations of Nadi Airport (Fiji) and Rongotai Aerodrome (Wellington) have been completed, and investigations are proceeding with the proposed aerodrome sites at Harewood and Mangere. 2. Air Navigation Section The Air Navigation Section is responsible for : (a) Supervision of training operations of aero clubs. (b) Aeronautical Information Services. (c) Licensing of personnel. (d) Regulations enforcement. (a) Supervision of Training Operations of Aero Clubs These duties have been carried out during the year by the Airfields Inspector of the Operations Section and have involved a continuous check on the training facilities and methods in use by aero clubs, the periodical testing of flying instructors, the testing

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