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Aviation History
1928
1928 - 0352.PDF
Imperial Airways they are subsidised, but the subsi- dies are barely sufficient as it is, and will be wholly inadequate if the new tax is to be imposed. It is not drawing too long a bow to assert that there is indeed quite a possibility that if the Petrol Tax is imposed upon them, several and possibly all the clubs may be compelled to close down unless an addition to the subsidy is granted. Then there is the third—and admittedly small— class of civil aviation activities : the private owner. Already flying is a fairly costly business, and it is only by years of hard work and perseverance in face of great difficulties that aircraft constructors have been able gradually to bring the cost of machines down. The Petrol Tax would possibly not directly affect the primary cost of machines (although it might even do that by causing a smaller demand), but it would seriously threaten many private owners who at present can only just afford to run a machine, but who could not afford to do so if the running costs were to be increased. Altogether, we feel that Government insistence upon applying the tax to civil aviation would exert a hampering influence upon development, which might very seriously affect the whole future of civil flying in this country, and we trust that measures will be taken to see that an exemption is made in favour of an industry which is already of great national, and even Imperial importance, and which is becoming more so every day. TheKing's Gup In this week's issue of FLIGHT we publish the preliminary announcement concerning the race for the cup presented by His Majesty the King, to be flown on July 20 and 21, starting and finishing at Hendon, and the Siddeley Trophy Race. No announcement is made as yet concerning the system of handicapping which is to be used, but it is reasonably certain that no formula will form the basis. At one time it was the intention to make MAY 10. i§28 this race a formula race, but considerable opposition was, we believe, met with from various quarters, and it is now assumed that Captains Goodman Crouch and Dancey will see to the handicapping.—In spite of criticisms which are always being levelled at handicappers, these two experts have really reduced handicapping to a fine art, and provided those respon- sible for the organisation will insist upon sufficient data being furnished, there is no reason to doubt that close finishes will be achieved, in so far as such a thing is possible over a course of more than 1,000 miles. On the subject of formula racing, FLIGHT* has dealt with the problems at considerable length in the past. It will suffice if we reiterate here that we are not against formula racing. In fact, we are all in favour of it. But we do not think that the King's Cup Race is the right occasion for such racing. That race should be a propaganda race first and last. It should give as many people as possible an opportunity to see the machines, and it should provide as close finishes as possible so as to sustain the interest. A formula race is likely to be of great technical value, but it will almost certainly not be very exciting from the point of view of the spectators. Let us have one formula race every year by all means, but let it be of a technical rather than a spectacular nature and let us hold it over a convenient and fairly short course, with but secondary regard to the degree of public interest which it may arouse. Of this year's King's Cup Race it can at any rate be said that it will be, as is right and proper, a " Circuit of Britain," or as near it as is practicable. More than that cannot be said until further details are made known. The idea of holding the Inter-Club Race for the challenge cup presented by Mr. J. D. Siddeley simultaneously with the King's Cup Race may be sound in so far as it reduces the organisation necessary, the same doing for both races, but otherwise we could have wished to see the race for this cup a separate one. ; [" FLIGHT " PhotographIMPERIAL AVIATION : The second of the Short " Calcutta " flying-boats, with three Bristol "Jupiter " geared engines, is now undergoing her flying trials. Our photograph shows the machine taking off atRochester, piloted by Mr. Lankester Parker. Note the Handley Page automatic wing tip slots. ;-U .- , - ^ , -- .. -vr- • • • • • 316
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