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Aviation History
1928
1928 - 0090.PDF
FEBRUARY 9, 1928 An Aerod nome ar 13,ooo Feer SURROUNDED on all sides, and •with no outlet to the sea, Bolivia occupies a somewhat peculiar position amongst the South American countries. To the north-west is Peru ; to the north, north-east and east is Brazil ; to the south, Argentina ; and to the west, Chile cuts off Bolivia from the Pacific. That this is a singularly difficult position for a country of such magnitude as Bolivia will be readily understood, and it is thus small wonder that Bolivia is turning her attention to the air, which is, one might say, her only " outlet." There are, however, natural obstacles in the way, of which those unfamiliar with the country cannot well form any idea. The headquarters of Bolivia's flying are at the Alto La Paz aerodrome, which is situated in the Andes, at an altitude of about 13,000 ft. above sea level, and some 2,000 ft. higher and nurses in permanent attendance. A Marconi wireless station (telegraphy) completes the equipment. The present flying stock is reported to include a number of Caudron C.97 machines with 180 h.p. Hispano-Suiza engines, some Morane-Saulnier parasol monoplanes with 130 h.p. Clerget engines, a few Fokker-Hispano machines, and a few Breguet 19 with Lorraine-Dietrich and Hispano engines. Height is not the only difficulty with which flying in Bolivia has to contend. Extremely strong winds, sometimes as high as 50 m.p.h., and known as the Titicada (after the lake of the same name), are quite frequent, and blow from the north-west. A south-west wind of terrible violence and bringing with it whirlwinds and thunderstorms adds variety, but often makes flying quite impossible. It is stated that, since Bolivian General View of La Paz, Bolivia : The Alto la Paz aerodrome is situated on the ridge in the background, at a height of about 13,000 ft. than the capital, La Paz. For the loan of the photographs which illustrate these notes we are indebted to Capt.' Gerald Deane, who has a thorough and extensive knowledge of South America, and who has already done a great deal towards introducing British aircraft into the various South American countries. Bolivia, as we have said, is very much interested in aircraft, but the average sort of machine is of very little use, owing to the situation of the aerodrome at a height where the loss of engine power and lift introduce serious problems in taking off and landing. The surface of the aerodrome at Alto la Paz is very hard indeed, and is covered with grass and herbs so rough that the metal shoes of the skids fitted on school aeroplanes wear out in a •week. At present there are two hangars on the aerodrome, of which one is an old corrugated structure, while a more modern one of concrete has accommodation for about 30 machines. A subterranean fuel reservoir with a capacity of approximately 50,000 galls is part of the equipment, and the air station is further provided with workshops, a laboratory, an engine-testing shop, stores, a medical service with doctors flying commenced in 1915, no less than 14 pilots have lost their lives in flying unsuitable machines in this neighbour- hood. It is, therefore, small wonder that Bolivia is looking around for a type of machine which will meet the unusual conditions, and any British constructor who succeeds in producing the right kind of machine can be reasonably sure of a substantial order. It should be realised that to turn out a machine with faidy low power loading and very light wing loading is not in itself sufficient, since the machines must have a very good perfor- mance in the way of speed, also at lower levels than those of the La Paz aerodrome. A very wide speed range is required, since this is narrowed down at the height at -which the machines will habitually have to operate. It is not thought desirable to state in print the exact performance which Bolivia requires, but firms interested are advised to write to Capt. Gerald Deane at 6, Queen Anne's , Gate, Westminster, London, S.W.I, who will be pleased to render any assistance required. If a sufficiently wide speed range cannot be attained with 78
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