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Aviation History
1932
1932 - 0351.PDF
FLIGHT, APRIL 15, 1932 horizontally on a vertical steel structure and free to rotate with the wind. The first and largest, which has been in stalled at Croydon, is very sensitive and registers the direction of wind speeds as low as 4 m.p.h. A braking device is fitted whereby sudden varia tions due to cross gusts are interpreted without violent oscillations, while the whole " T " can be locked in any desired position so that the best landing direction can be indicated in a calm. Illumina tion at night is by means of Neon tubes, which outline the " T " placed in double rows, so that the failure of any tube still leaves unimpaired the continuity of the lines of light. The smaller " T " is illumi nated with a number of double-ended tubular " striplyte " lamps covered with selenium ruby glass shades. An automatic wind velocity indicator is fitted, so that bars of white light are shown across the tail of the " T " according to the vary ing strength of the wind. For example, one bar may be illuminated for a 10-m.p.h. wind, two bars for a 20- m.p.h., and three bars for 30 m.p.h. or over. Both types are, of course, illuminated from the mains and the cur rent is transferred via the structure to the " T " by means of slip-rings, the con trol in both cases being taken from any desirable point. The new " Chance " wind-tee is designed for smaller or privately- owned airports and is equally as effective as the larger models though of less cost. CROYDON i E have just completed a week of the most squallv weather experienced for a long time. Somehow w V V or other March has got itself mixed up with April to such an extent that they have both been trying to outdo one another. Incoming machines have been subjected to severe buffeting and late arrivals have been the rule rather than the exception. However, in spite of the weather, services were fully maintained and passengers appeared to stand the ordeal better than if they had chosen the sea crossing. One pilot stated that the Channel, from the air, was one mass of seething foam, it being impossible to see any clear water. Sir John Simon crossed to Paris on Sunday, although the weather was enough to make travelling of any sort far from pleasant. A new fashion has been started by Imperial Airways' pilots in the form of growing beards. Both Messrs. Jones and Horsey have cultivated real Captain Kettle outfits, and others, not to be outdone, have bought false ones. Mr. Rogers in particular amused everyone very much by- appearing in a false beard and moustache, the beard reaching well to his chest. The colour was decidedly ginger, so it should also act as a chest protector in the cold weather, by the warmth beards of this hue are credited with radiating. Mr. Mollard has returned from the East and is at present flying on the European services. Very little joyriding or instructional flying has taken place this week owing to the squally state of the weather. The Luft Hansa night service has been maintained throughout the week, the only delay being in the arrivals here which have naturally been slightly late on several occasions. The extension added during the winter to the flag- stoned area in front of the Administration buildings seems to have definitely cured the dust problem which has been so prevalent and unpleasant during past years. The ground has been treated with a mixture of water and tar, which, when set, goes very hard. The real test will, of course, be when and if we get some really hot, dry weather, although there is every indication that the desired result has been obtained after much experimenting. The occupants of the offices facing the aerodrome will no doubt offer up prayers of thanks for being released from continual sand storms in the dry weather. The mast of the new radio beacon has been painted red and white, but many are agreed that it is a dangerous obstacle, no matter what is done to make it conspicuous to pilots. There are always a certain number of mad- brained people who would hit anything, whether it be on the road or in the air. However, it is to be hoped nothing will try conclusions with it. The traffic figures for the week were: —Passengers, 876 ; freight, 36 tons. P. B. HESTON M ONDAY, April 4.—We have had a week of consis tent bad weather, but, in spite of this, the Flying School machines were in use at any time it became temporarily fit. Mr. L. H. Stace, of Henly's, Ltd., at Heston, reported that while on his tour with'the Swallow Convoy he gave flights on his " Avian " to the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth, and afterwards flew the Mayoress to Ports mouth and back. We feel that no opportunity should be lost of gaining the interest of municipal authorities in avia tion, and are glad to say that both the Mayor and Mayoress are now enthusiastic about flying. TUESDAY, April 5.—Mr. Nigel Norman, a director of Airwork, Ltd., cleared Customs and left for Paris, with two passengers, on " Puss Moth " G-ABNC, loaned him by Brian Lewis & Co. He did not leave until 5 p.m. and did the journey in 1 hr. 52 min. The Marquis of Douglas and Clydesdale arrived on his " Moth " from Scotland to resume his Parliamentary duties. Miss N. M. P. Buntine, of Pietermantzburg, who took her " A " licence at Heston School of Flying, called in to say " Good-bye " before sailing for South Africa, and later in the day we received a call from two young South Africans—Mr. Rennie and Mr. Bradney—who, within one hour of their arrival had purchased a " Moth " (G-AAGI). Mr. Rennie had been passed out for solo and Mr. Bradney had his first lesson here. FRIDAY, April 8.—Mr. Gordon Store, who accompanied Miss Salaman on her trip to Cape Town, arrived from Paris on " Puss Moth " G-AAXX to clear Customs. Two private owners cleared Customs and proceeded to Paris. Capt. Barnard cleared Customs and proceeded to Amster dam on his well-known " Fokker " G-EBTS. Lord Douglas Hamilton came to make arrangements for a machine in which to pass his night-flying tests for a " B " licence. SATURDAY, April 9.—The Automobile Association Weather Bureau located at Heston would appear to have justified its existence at this early stage. Many private owners, some as far away as Newcastle-on-Tyne, have in formed us that they always listen in to the weather broad cast before setting out on a journey. To-day we were told 327
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