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Aviation History
1924
1924 - 0639.PDF
OCTOBER 2, 1924 after passing the Postling turning point. He reported a cracked petrol tank, but otherwise all safe. A spare tank was dispatched to him by car, and this was quickly fitted, after which Longton flew his machine out of the small field, and back to the aerodrome. The two Parnall " Pixies," Nos. 18 and 19, went out again about noon, and on one of their laps they came across the aerodrome side by side, making a very pretty picture. Raynham had gone out on the No. 15 Hawker while Longton was " missing," but only covered one lap, as his •engine cut out. When he thought he would have to make a forced landing, his engine picked up again, first on one cylinder and then on the other, and he was fortunately'able to get back to the aerodrome. Uwins on Bristol " Brownie," No. 1, got away for a second attempt at about half-past 12, and this time he carried on towards Postling. No. 3, the Cranwell biplane, took off shortly afterwards and took up his task of putting-in flying time over the course, going well in spite of the strong wind. Meanwhile, the two Parnall " Pixies," Nos. 18 and 19, had both met with misfortune. No. 18 " sat down " suddenly, just outside the aerodrome. It was found that the Bristol *' Cherub " had pushed a connecting rod through its crank- •case. Mr. Bolas himself was a passenger with Flight-Lieut. Haig at the time, and as he expressed it, he " thought the 'bus was dropping to pieces." The second " Pixie " landed some where out on the course, the Blackburne engine having seized on its lower port cylinder. Piercey landed the " Wee Bee " shortly before 1 p.m., after having completed nine laps. On examining his engine, it was found that a valve spring had broken, but this was soon replaced and his machine got ready for the afternoon's flying. In the afternoon the weather began to look still more threatening, and the meteorological people talked glibly of line squalls and other forms of " frightfulness." About two o'clock it began to rain, and for the rest of the afternoon there was an unpleasant drizzle, which made it very uncom fortable for the spectators and a great deal more so for the competing pilots. In spite of this, however, many of the machines were " up and doing," notably the Hawker " Cygnet I," piloted by Longton, and the Cranwell (No. 3), flown by Flight-Lieut. Mackay. Another competitor who managed to put in a good deal of time towards his 10 hours was Lwins on No. 1 Bristol " Brownie." Although the rain and gusty wind made flying very unpleasant, these three stuck to their job and made circuit after circuit. Again the Cranwell machine and its plucky pilot came in for favourable comment, and one heard repeatedly expressed the wish that more of the spirit might be found which animates these enthusiasts of the Cranwell Light Aeroplane Club. Certainly their stout effort is worthy of all praise, and they deserve to have all the luck possible. Their Bristol " Cherub " appears to be running very well indeed, and, barring unfore seen accidents, No. 3 should do well both in the reliability test and in the slow-speed test. One's only fear is that the Cranwell may not be lucky enough to get a day sufficiently calm for it to cover the circuit in the high-speed test at 60 m.p.h. By closing time today (Tuesday) the scoring-board told the following story: No. 1, the Bristol "Brownie," had done eight laps of the course and put in 1 hr. 56 mins. 44 sees, flying. No. 3, the Cranwell biplane, had to his credit a distance of 137\ miles (11 laps of the course), with a flying time of 3 hrs. 38 mins. 28 sees. Longton's " Cygnet I " CONSTRUCTIONAL DET\ILS OF LIGHT 'PLANES AT LYMPNE : (1) Mounting for Bristol Cherub on Avro"Avis " <2) Front cockpit covering of Beardmore " Wee Bee I." Leading edge and top cover £f„£?!?«„.* «£J *JZl* into and out of cockpit. (3) Rudder and elevator hinges on Avro "Avis." The elTvator ZiV2 ertaras covered with fabric strip. (4) Mounting of Bristol "Cherub" in Parnall "Pixie inaP" f^fView into rear cockpit of Beardmore " Wee Bee I," showing spar attachment to top of fuselage This ^oclplt is covered by a hinged window of celluloid. (6) Under carriage of Bristol 5 " Brownie " 639
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