PROGRESS

ATC Observer, Volume 1, Issue 7, 1 April 1943, Page 6

PROGRESS

Specially written for the “Observer” by Flying Officer H. Matson. WIGRAM: February 1926....ju5t enough height to clear the trees? She

seventeen years ago. The time is 0630 hours and a handful of men are preparing the planes for a day’s-flying.S <

. On the tarmac the machines are lined up; two' Training Avros and' two converted Bristol Fighters.:, .obsolete machines even.‘at that time but still serviceable and the pride of the station. , Alongside the 'hangar is the Aerodrome tender, an ancient —very ancient — of probably 1914 vintage.

There is a refresher course -on- and the station is a Rive of industry. The dozen or so. pilots taking the course are waiting, .to fly and the Commanding Officer, Captain Isitt and the Chief Flying Instructor, Captain Findlay are on the tarmac.

“Contact”’!!! A swing, of the propeller and the engine of the Bristol springs to life. The chocks are removed and the old crate taxis into position for the take. off.

She’s away.'. . .a dozen pairs of eyes anxiously watching her lumbering across the flying field. Will' she. gain

just sneaks over the top and, is away into the -blue. A sigh of relief and the leading Avro taxis into position.

These were busy days at Wigram. A handful of ’planes; a staff of not much more than a s'core; equipment mainly “leftovers” from the World War but each man keen, alert and on the job. This then was the foundation of the station,’that we know so well to-day as one of \ the foremost R. : N. Z. A. F. Stations;

■ It is almost impossible for us to visualise the advances that will take place in aviation during the next seventeen years but there is no doubt that like the'automobile, the aeroplane will in; future become part of transport system." Even when hostilities have ceased and progress turns from war to peace, there must be a demand for trained aviation personnel and the youths; fortunate enough to, get this training will surely reap the advantages in the future.