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Aviation History
1932
1932 - 0458.PDF
FLIGHT, MAY 13, 1932 /lipnoptr rijRMir CROYDON F ULL summer services commenced on Monday, and flying is in full force now for the whole 24 hours of the day. Another week of dreary and cold weather has, however, given the aerodrome an out look more like November, except that November was warmer than it is now. On Tuesday the weather was so bad, especially in the evening, that nearly all the machines were held up en route, several failing to reach England at all. On Thursday, the first official visit of Royalty to the Air Port took place, when H.R.H. the Duke of York spent several hours here in connection with National Safety Week, particulars of which are referred to elsewhere in this issue. His Royal Highness was introduced to Capt. Wilcockson, the pilot, who showed him over the H.P. 42, explaining the various controls and instruments. He then inspected the lighting system, finally paying a visit to the control tower, where he was shown further intricate secrecies of traffic control by wireless, etc. In this he was ably guided by Mr. Jeffs, the Air Ministry officer on duty at the time. On Friday, two specials ordered by the Press, were rushed to Paris, after news had been received of the shoot ing of the French President. Messrs. Hope and Birkett left in their " Puss Moth," and Capt. Ledlie, of Personal Flying Services, in a Desoutter. Hope and Birkett left on the return journey about 9 p.m., reaching Croydon soon after 11 p.m. Capt. Ledlie, leaving Paris soon after, had, after flying for 1\ hours, to return there owing to bad weather. This is another example of the help given by the control tower at Croydon when a machine carries wireless. The " Puss Moth " has recently been fitted with wireless, and was able to get through with its pictures in spite of weather. The Desoutter is not fitted with wireless, and, despite Capt. Ledlie's efforts, was compelled to turn back. It rather goes to prove that a commercial airline or taxi service, in order to give 100 per cent, service to its customers at any time of day or night in any weather, must have machines fitted with wireless. The old aircraft factory adjoining the aerodrome is beginning to look exceedingly smart, having been trans formed from a scene of utter desolation to a very attrac tive group of buildings. All the grounds have been cleaned up and gardens tidied. An estate office has been opened on the estate, and various sections of the buildings have already been either sold or let. In time no doubt it will become a very busy section. One curious thing is that no aircraft firms have so far secured premises. Yet in the parts already occupied nothing is produced that is useful in the manufacture of aircraft. The joyriding companies were very busy on Sunday during the brief respite in the weather, but more bad weather is on the way, according to the weather forecasts. An unpleasant episode was experienced on the 12.30 p.m. Imperial Airways outward service to Paris on Monday. The machine, a Handley Page 42, had the wire less aerial struck by lightning. A nasty explosion was heard, and it resulted in the cockpit windows being blown out, two propellers damaged, and various holes torn in the top plane and one in the fuselage near the baggage compartment. Fortunately, nobody was hurt, but natur ally the passengers were somewhat concerned, and Capt. O. P. Jones, the pilot, who piloted the Prince of Wales on two occasions, after reassuring those on board, turned the machine and brought it safely back to Croydon. Another H.P. 42 was immediately placed on service, the load was transferred and proceeded with passengers to Paris. Traffic figures for the week:—Passengers, 997 ; freight, 44 tons. P. B. FROM HESTON 1UNDAY, May 1.—The Director of Civil Aviation— Col. F. C. Shelmerdine—accompanied by Mrs. Shel- merdine, paid a visit to Heston after tea and spent some time inspecting the recently completed exten sions to the Airport buildings. Mr. A. C. M. Jackaman arrived late in the evening on returning from Paris. Henlys, Ltd., report having sold G-AAVP (Avro " Avian ") to Mr. Bancroft, who has just arrived from U.S.A., and G-EBUF (Hermes II " Moth ") to Mr. J. de B. Carling. Monday.—Among the several private owners who re turned from Paris was Mrs. Vereker in her " Puss Moth." Visct. Borodale, son of Earl Beatty, qualified for his " A " licence. Tuesday.—Capt. G. W. Ferguson, of Ferguson's School of Navigation, during the morning took two pupils on cross-country flights. The Airwork School of Flying had to cancel lessons after noon, as the weather became impossible for instruction. During the afternoon, in spite of high winds and some rain, several members of the Household Brigade Flying Club carried out practice for the landing competition to take place during the Brigade Flying Meeting to be held on the afternoon of May 18. Wednesday.—Lord Carlow landed at Heston in a " Cutty Sark." Fit. Lt. Christopher Clarkson, manager of Self ridges, Ltd., Aviation Department, returned to Heston. He left Heston on April 26 to proceed to Italy. We understand he is writing an account of his experiences, but he briefly described the trip to us. He flew non-stop from Paris to Lausanne, and from Lausanne to Milan via the Simplon Pass. On his return he flew from Milan to Cannes in two hours. Thursday.—Lady Marjorie Dalrymple Hamilton took her first flying lesson to-day with Capt. V. H. Baker. Mr. Harbin returned from Paris in his " Puss Moth." The new aviation office, next door to the Customs, was occupied to-day by Capt. Baker and his staff. From the several unusual features among the fittings many members could see the hand of Mr. Nigel Norman, who revels in novel designs. Friday.—Five machines cleared Customs, some with two passengers, and proceeded to Antwerp, for the avia tion meeting to be held there on the 7th. They were fairly representative, consisting of two " Puss Moths," a " Redwing," a Comper " Swift " and a " Spartan." Mr. Ledlie, of Personal Flying Services, Ltd., left late in the evening for Paris in the " Desoutter," and returned to Heston at 11 a.m. the following morning. Henlys, Ltd., report the sale of a three-seater " Spartan " to the B.A.T. Co. Saturday.—Lady Howard de Walden and her daughters. Miss Bronwen and Miss Priscilla Scott Ellis, resumed their flying lessons this week. Heston was visited to-day by 68 members of the Institu tion of Locomotive Engineers. Customs had a busy day, clearances being:—Out: One to Brussels, two to Ostend, one to Jersey, three to Ant werp, one to Rotterdam and one to Paris. In: One from Paris and two from Antwerp. Sunday.—Heston presented a very animated scene from early morning, and during the day private owners' machines were in such numbers that it had the appearance of a rally. Eight machines—one piloted by Miss Amy Johnson— returned from Antwerp, where they had been to attend the meeting organised by the Antwerp Aviation Club. All pilots were full of praise for the excellent manner in which the meeting was organised under the control of Mr. Rex Newman, and also of the hospitality shown them, which left nothing to be desired Among the visitors to Heston—who were extremely numerous—were noticed Capt. H. Balfour, M.P., and Mr. J. A. Mollison, while Miss Fidelia Crossley arrived on her new Comper " Swift " G-ABUA. Mr. Harbin proceeded to Paris in his " Puss Moth " with two passengers, returning during the evening. 426
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