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Aviation History
1934
1934 - 0346.PDF
FLIGHT, Apftit 12,'1934 FLIGHT ITS EDITOR AND ITS FUTURE By The Staff N January 3, 1930, the issue of FLIGHT took the form of a birthday number to celebrate its 21 years of publication, Messages of congratulation were re- ceived in great numbers from all over the world, and the message not least appreciated by the Editor and Staff was one from Sir Edward M. Iliffe, C.B.E., M.P. (now Lord Iliffe), which ran: — " Heartiest congratulations to FLIGHT upon the attain- ment of its 21st anniversary, and to its founder, my friend Stanley Spooner, upon his wonderful foresight and confidence in the future of aviation. It must have been a very uphill fight in the early days. Only pioneers can appreciate the disappointments and set-backs atten- dant upon establishing a journal devoted to a new in- dustry. FLIGHT has remained steadfast in its beliefs, and to-day can reflect with satisfaction upon the in- valuable spade work it has performed in the national interest. ... If Sir Charles Wakefield can be termed the patron saint of aviation, Mr. Stanley Spooner must be ascribed not only its heralding angel, but its mentor and guiding star." To-day, four years after the receipt of that message, we announce that Mr. Stanley Spooner has transferred the proprietorship of FLIGHT to the firm of Iliffe & Sons, Ltd., of which his old friend, Lord Iliffe, is the head. It is an important step in the history of aeronautical journalism, and we feel sure that at this moment the thoughts of our readers will turn, as certainly the thoughts of the Staff turn, to Mr. Stanley Spooner, the pilot who has steered the ship so resolutely for 25 years. This, however, is not perhaps the occasion for dwelling in detail on Mr. Spooner's services. Our readers will also think of the present and future of FLIGHT. We may assure them at once that the posi- tion of the paper is stronger than ever. In its early days it fought its way to success. Now, that success is consolidated by the linking of its fortunes to the great resources of the house of Iliffe. Speaking for the Staff of the paper, we unhesitatingly say that, as the time has now come for our old and honoured chief to rest on his laurels, there are no hands to which we should more gladly see the tiller entrusted than those of the great firm whose head has been for so long the friend and admirer of Mr. Spooner and of FLIGHT. Our readers may rest assured that there will be no important change in the consistent policy of FLIGHT. The whole of the present Staff retain their positions and will carry on the traditions which have made FLIGHT what it is. The only change which may be expected will be improvements. With greater resources behind it, FLIGHT looks forward to providing its readers with something even better than they have had in the past. Even since our 21st birthday issue of January 3, 1930, aeronautics have made remarkable strides forward in all directions. Research never stands still, and each year aeroplanes and engines are better than they were the year before. Each year commercial air lines grow in number and in mileage. Each year more of the public take to the air as a normal means of travel. Each year the flying clubs turn out more active pilots. Each year knowledge of the air and interest in aeronautics spread more and more widely among the people. Each year the Royal Air Force and the Auxiliary Air Force raise higher and higher the standard of efficiency. Flying in all its aspects is now a very great subject, and the task of studying it, recording its progress, and commenting on its developments grows ever more exacting. FLIGHT, we believe, has not failed in the past to deal worthily with this great aspect of modern life. Heartened by the support and approbation of its readers, and fortified by the knowledge of great resources behind it, FLIGHT embarks cheerfully and confidently on the next stage of its career. SS COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE : Imperial Airways Armstrong-Whitworth airliner Aurora vpiiot, Capt. Egglesfield) alighting on the Kuala Lumpur Flying Club's aerodrome, with the homeward mail, on March 11. This aerodrome is now tine of the halting places on the Imperial air route. 346
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