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Aviation History
1929
1929-1 - 0670.PDF
FLIGHT, AUGUST 1, 1929 DRIVA FLYING A Section of FLIGHT in the Interests of the Private Owner, Owner-Pilot, and Club Member BOMBAY FLYING CLUB First Annual Report THE first annual general meeting of the members of theBombay Flying Club, Ltd., was held in the MoorishRoom of the Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay, on May 30, when the committee's report and the balance sheet and income and expenditure account for the period ending March 31, 1929, were passed. The balance sheet showed that the financial position was very satisfactory. The club possesses three aeroplanes which, with other assets, bring the total to ^5,246, against which liabilities, including a sum set aside for an insurance fund, amount to /5.067. Excess of income over expenditure was therefore £179. This club was incorporated on May 9, 1928, but it was not until January 13, 1929, that instruction could be commenced, as the two de Havilland " Moths " presented by the Government of India under the subsidy scheme, were not delivered in Bombay until the early days of that month. Therefore the club had only an actual flying existence of two and a half months at the end of its first financial year, but in that short period the pilot instructor had under instruction no less than 24 pupils, of whom 18 were Indian members. It is interesting to note that the first eight members to receive instruction were Indians. It should be realised that in Bombay it is only possible to give flying instruction in the early morning and the late afternoon so that the number of flying hours available for training pupils is very limited ; in spite of that the number of hours flown reached the remarkably good total of 323. Achievements To the Bombay Flying Club, Ltd., belongs the honour of having taught the pupil who obtained the first "A" licence issued in India, namely Mr. Jehangir Tata, who passed the necessary tests on February 10, 1929. A few days later, Mr. Gormley, one of the ex-Air Force members of the club, was successful in passing the night flying tests which are required by the regulations for obtaining a " B " licence. The achievement of which the club is most proud, however, is that of one of its lady members, Mrs. Petit, who is the first lady to obtain an " A " licence in India. The Bombay Flying Club, Ltd., was established to teach the art and science of aeronautics and to encourage flying in all its various aspects. At present only a few Indians are air- minded. The aeroplane is looked upon by the vast majority •n mu< h the same way as was the motor-car 25 years ago, and it is the endeavour of the club to remove that distrust °Y demonstrating that the aeroplane is as safe and reliable as any other form of transport. That the modern light aeroplane is safe is proved by the records of the club. At the date oi the general meeting the club aeroplanes had been nown a total of 492 hours, practically all of which was accom- plished either in the training^of the pupils or by pupils themselves flying solo. That is equivalent to a distance of approximately 35,000 miles—which was covered without accident or injury to any person. Eleven pupils—of whom seven are Indians—have already passed their tests for " A " licences. If it had not been for the exceptionally early break of the monsoon the number would have been even higher. The calls upon the club are many ; there is an increasing demand for tuition, joy-rides, and air travel. During the past season applications were received to convey passengers to Poona, Nasik, Matheran, Kathiawar, and even as far as Rawalpindi, but it was not possible to meet these require- ments as the club's pilot-instructor was fully occupied in teaching pupils. It is hoped, however, that in the near future a number of passenger-carrying flights of an experi- mental nature will be made, so that when civil aviation companies are formed to operate internal air lines in India the club's experience will be of assistance to them. The activities of the club in Bombay at this time of the year, are, unfortunately, limited by the fact that the aero- drome at Juhu is not suitable during the monsoon, and it was proposed to send the pilot-instructor on an air tour of the Presidency to give joy-rides at principal towns. At the same time, sites for prospective landing grounds will be examined, so that the members of the club who purchase their own aeroplanes (already a number have been ordered) will be able to fly practically anywhere. In this connection it is interesting to note that Poona is only about an hour's flight from Juhu and Matheran scarcely 15 minutes. The social side of the club is not being overlooked. It is proposed to erect a club-house on the aerodrome where members can entertain their friends and watch the flying in ease and comfort. To enable this to be done, more members are required. Membership, however, is not limited to those who wish to learn to fly. Pupils are particularly welcomed, but the club also welcomes those who, while not desirous of learning to fly, realise the tremendous future of aviation in India. The club is fortunate in having as its chairman Sir Victor Sassoon, whose connection with flying dates back to the very earliest days—his English pilot's licence, No. 52, having been obtained before the War. Many of Bombay's most prominent business men have shown their appreciation of the importance of flying to India by joining the club, and are assisting it by serving on the committee or making donations. A number of ex-Air Force officers—whose practical experience is invaluable—have become members. The club has had a successful inauguration. It has taught the first Indian and the first Indian lady to fly in India. Othsr clubs are hard on its heels (perhaps one should say its tail-plane). Marconi Equipment on the " Discovery " Th barque " Discovery," which is due to leave the name, today (August 1) for a new voyage of Antarctic explor- enablo -e^Uipped wit^ Marconi wireless apparatus that will out A L t0 mamtam constant communication with the of g. lVorW The expedition, which is under the leadership specM' °U§las Mawson. the Australian explorer, has been Anta ••' equiPPed for scientific and survey work in the •vpi,. ,rc'" to the south of Australia, and the comprehensive the T) equiPmellt will play an important part in keeping De g ,% closfly in touch with the scientific world. The '•'.Hand " Moth " is to be used for scouting purposes within a range of 100 miles of the " Discovery." It is being fitted with the new Marconi transmitting and receiving set for light aeroplanes, specially adapted for Morse working. During scouting expeditions, the pilot will keep in touch with the base ship, which, by means of its Marconi direction finder, will, at the same time be able to locate the direction of the " Moth." In case of a forced landing, an emergency aerial can be rigged on the machine, and the generator normally driven by airscrew can be operated by hand. With the power thus supplied, a special automatic code sender will enable messages to be sent from the aeroplane to the "Discovery." . • • • 833
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