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Aviation History
1923
1923 - 0354.PDF
JUNE 28, 1923 and shines for the other seven. One club mechanic couldkeep half a dozen light 'planes greased, looked over and re- plenished ; and any good local garage could decarbonise oroverhaul the engine, which, after all, is only a glorified motor- bike engine." • * * THERE is a good deal of common sense in this letter, and no doubt the time will come when steps will have to be taken that there is a very good possibility of a Vickers light 'planebeing entered for the Sutherland and Daily Mail competitions. Mr. Pierson is at present considering the matter, and we ratherthink that after going into the subject very carefully^he favours the biplane. More than that we are not at liberty,to][say atpresent. We are rather glad that all who are contemplating the design of machines for this meeting are not monoplaneenthusiasts. In this manner variety will be lent to the_ pro- ATTENDING TO THE BLACKBURNE ENGINE : This photograph gives a good idea of the engine mounting and chain transmission to the twin pusher propellers. On the left is seen Major Gnosspelius, the designer of the " Gull." to train pupils on suitable two-seater, dual control, light 'planes. At present, however, we are chiefly concerned with discovering what can and cannot be done with the single- seater light 'plane, and it is rather early in the day to think of quantity production. On the other hand, the firm which looks ahead and correctly anticipates the public demand will reap the benefit of its foresight. There is much to be said for our correspondent's contention that the majority of newly-taught pilots will prefer the two-seater, and un- doubtedly in a year's time or so it will be possible to sell machines of this type to a not inconsiderable public. In this matter, however, it will pay to make haste slowly. We do not want to produce machines in quantities, sell them to the ceedings, and there will be an opportunity to compare varioustypes. While the efficiency of the monoplane is probably somewhat better, the smaller overall size of the biplane, thesmall travel of the centre of pressure, and the lighter construc- tion are all features in favour of the biplane. • * * IT is also rumoured that possibly a Parnall light 'plane willbe among the entries. Mr. Bolas has somewhat uncon- ventional ideas on the subject of ordinary aeroplanes, andshould produce something interesting if, as we hope, he turns his attention to light 'planes. 'J * FKOM Mr. E.^W. WTood, of Wensum Cottage, Imperial THE GNOSSPELIUS " GULL " TAKING OFF : The unconcerned attitude of the pilot will be observed, indicating the easy handling of the machine public, and then fiod that the average purchaser finds difficulty in handling his machine. A series of accidents of a more or less serious nature would do incalculable damage to the future of this type of machine, and before the " family 'bus " is placed on the market in quantities we shall be wise to make it as " fool-proof " as is humanly possible. If means can be found to prevent stalling and getting into a spin, the largest step forward in the whole history of aviation will have been made, and research into this problem can and should be made with single-seater light 'planes before we begin to " vulgarise " the two-seater. • ••• * * WE do not think we are divulging a secret when we state Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, we have received the following letter:— p" " Referring to your announcement under the ' Light 'Plane and Glider Notes ' heading, I may say that I am very keenly interested in all matters relating to gliding and the construction of gliders or light 'planes. I must admit that I have practically no knowledge of aerodynamics, but I have followed aeronautical progress closely since the war and was an interested spectator at Itford last October. " If any experimenter seeks the assistance of a genuine enthusiast (who will willingly devote all his spare time and is quite prepared even to change his domicile if necessary) I should appreciate a communication from him." 354
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