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Aviation History
1934
1934 - 0971.PDF
SEPTEMBER 20, 1934. FLIGHT. IC 973 V, SECTION FOR OWNER-PILOTS AND CLUB MEMBERS MY experience during a recent week-end tended toemphasise the fact that private flying is resolvingitself generally into three categories involving the use of (1) the fixed wing type of aircraft; (2) the rotary wing or autogiro; and (3) the motorless machine. Two of the foremost exponents in categories (2) and (3), Mr. R. A. C. Brie and Herr Kronfeld, accompanied me north en route to the opening of Ulster's first airport at Newtownards. Both have played a great part in the de- velopment of their own particular branch of flying, and, of course, they are each experienced aeroplane pilots. Bearing this in mind, I thought that, on this flight, I would take the opportunity of sitting in the back seat of my '' Leopard Moth '' for a change and discussing gliding matters with Herr Kronfeld, whom I had not seen -for some time. With this in view, I sug- gested to Mr. Brie that he should take the pilot's seat on the first section of our journey—from Hanworth to Skeldon, where he was to pick up the C.30 Auto- giro which he had arranged to demon- strate at the opening of the aerodrome at Ards. It was Brie's answer to this invi- tation which drew my attention to the growing tendency to classify mentally the essential advantages of particular group types of aircraft. Whilst thanking me for the sug- gestion, he said that he hoped his flying days would con- tinue to a ripe old age, and that to ensure this he had made up his mind, as a pilot, to confine himself to the Autogiro. There is no doubt that Mr. Brie has been, and is, doing wonderful work in this particular phase of de- velopment. His enthusiasm for the Autogiro is most refreshing, and the increasing popularity of this type is not a little due to the zeal with which he demonstrates its possibilities. On arrival at Skeldon, Herr Kronfeld trans- ferred to the Autogiro, and we flew on to Newtownards, where Brie later gave a very entertaining exhibition of the latest "direct" control type. Our Air-minded Air Minister The opening of the new Ards Aerodrome serves again to direct attention to the thoroughness with which the present Secretary of State for Air tackles his job. To-day, when there is a good deal of doubt in the minds of many as to the wisdom of Air Ministry control of civil aviation, it is encouraging to note the enthusiasm with which Lord Londonderry endeavours, by personal example, to spread the gospel of air-mindedness, a state of mind which must permeate the body politic if civil aviation is to develop as it should. Not only has the Secretary of State learnt to fly during his present term of office with this object in view, but his interest in flying is shared by his family in no less degree. The first civil aerodrome in the North of Ireland, which is situated on their own land, was prepared through the direct initiative of Lord and Lady Londonderry in co- operation with that enterprising concern, Airwork, Ltd., and when fully developed it may be one of the largest and most important in Great Britain. After the opening cere- NOTES by LORD SEMPILL A.F.C., F.R.Ae.S. mony, which was followed by an interesting display of flying witnessed by a large gathering of people. Lord Londonderry took the opportunity of extending his experi- ence of the air by flying back in the Autogiro to bis home at Mount Stewart, where he has a landing ground. So impressed was he with its possibilities that he expressed his intention of taking an early opportunity of qualifying as a pilot of this type. His daughters, Lady Helen and Lady Mary Stewart, also had a flight, and were only dis- appointed that the machine was not fitted for dual control. Cliding at Sulton Bank » AFTER leaving Ulster we flew to •*» Sutton Bank to attend the opening of the annual Soaring Competition organised at this new site in conjunction with the British Gliding Association. Herr Kronfeld, who has probably had more experience of motorless flight than any other man in the world, was much impressed by the possibilities of our new National Soaring Centre. Unfortunately, weather conditions were not particularly good on the opening day, so that Herr Kronfeld was not able to see how greatly our leading exponents of soaring flight have progressed since he last demonstrated to us his great all-round knowledge of the art. Motorless flying in Great Britain has gone through many vicissitudes in recent years, although there has been a continuous interest displayed by a faithful band of enthusiasts. In spite of many difficulties a suitable site for soaring has been obtained and organised on sound lines. The wonderful German site at the Wasser- kuppe was the ideal aimed at, and, although Sutton Bank may not have all the natural advantages of the former, it is hoped to develop it as a soaring training centre on a comparable basis. Really good environs, both for gliding and soaring, are not very common in this country ; and although certain parts of Scotland might afford better natural facilities, they would not generally be of convenient access. The 1934 competitions at Sutton Bank were entered upon this year under much more favourable auspices. The Air Ministry had expressed their intention of making an annual grant of £5,000 to-fhe controlling body of Gliding and Soaring, and new life has been put into the movement. The attendances at the Sutton Bank meeting in particular have proved that motorless flying as a spectacle has a dis- tinct appeal to the public, provided it is held at" a spot within easy each. It had been hoped that the facilities at Sutton Bank would enable those British pilots who had already achieved very creditable results to rival the per- formance of their foreign colleagues, and the meeting has in some respects justified this hope. The British duration and height records have been substantially raised during the meeting. The duration record proves the suitability of the site for this' type of soaring, as it was achieved by a machine of obsolescent design. The height record was obtained as a result of utilising conditions particularly suitable for thermal soaring. There is no doubt that the British Gliding and Soaring movement is entering on a phase of successful achievement.
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