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Aviation History
1934
1934 - 1021.PDF
OCTOBER 4, 1934. FLIGHT. 'IVATE A SECTION FOR OWNER-PILOTS AND CLUB MEMBERS T'HE excellent flight made by the young Australian,Mr. James Melrose, from the Commonwealth toEngland in 8 days 9 hours—which constitutes an un- grounds within easy distance are already available, and fuelsupplies have been organised to a practical stage. Theprivate pilot who wishes, therefore, to fly to Australia need official record for a solo flight—leads our thoughts to not be discouraged by the apparent magnitude of the under- the possibilities of long Empire air journeys for the ordi- nary private aircraft owner. The fact that Messrs. Melrose, Mollison, Scott, or Butler have flown between the two countries in from eight to ten days does not mean that the average pilot can expect to emulate such remarkable performances. We are told that Mr. Melrose was the lucky recipient of an aeroplane on his twenty- first birthday, and that he at once de- cided to fly to England. Making very good progress in the first two or three . days, he thought that he would try to j NOTES beat Mr. Mollison's record, in which ob- ject he was successful. Such flights as those mentioned require great endurance, and the pilot must be very fit physically and capable of persistent effort with a limited amount of sleep. Touring to AustraliaI T is not to be supposed that with the machines at present available to the owner-pilot the journey can, in the ordinary course of events, be done in such good time ; the route itself does not, in these days, present any inordinate difficulties. Ground organisation has improved very considerably during the last few years, and it is safe to say that, throughout the whole route to Australia, aerodromes exist not more, on an average, than two hundred miles apart. Furthermore, supplies of petrol and oil are available, or can easily be made so, at depots laid down by our leading oil com- panies. The success of the record flights are in large measure due to the facilities offered by these companies. Not only do they supply fuel and lubricants, but they have amassed a good deal of useful flying data which they are always ready to place at the disposal of pilots. The Melbourne Centenary Celebrations, and the Air Race which has been organised in that connection, have brought the subject of Empire flying much to the fore. The MacRobertson Trophy Competition is something more than a mere competitive event; it will undoubtedly bring home the possibilities of Imperial communications by air to many who have looked upon such flights merely as stunts so far as the private pilot is concerned. All types of machines will be used in the race, from the fast commercial air liner to the aeroplane in everyday use by the owner-pilot. As a result, therefore, fresh standards for the journey for various types of aircraft will be set up, and the owner-pilot who aspires to Imperial travel will benefit by the experience gained. As far as the commercial type of machine is concerned, the race will serve to show what can be done. The speeds which may be expected from the latest type of passenger aircraft which have been entered will undoubtedly tend to emphasise the relatively leisurely schedules of our Imperial air lines. It will be seen that the chief requirements on the Australia route have been largely catered for. Landing LORD SEMPILL A.F.C., F.R.Ae.S. taking. At the same time he should not embark on it too lightly. A good deal of preparation will be required—the day has not yet come when the freedom of the air can be trans- lated into fact. Various countries have their own ideas with regard to routes which may be followed. Prohibited areas abound, and no pilot can afford to ignore the regulations laid down. It follows that a considerable amount of information will be required for this pur- pose, and the private pilot may well hesi- tate when he considers the problems in- volved. He will find that he requires permits to fly in some countries, and he must obtain visas for his passport in many of the territories in which he in- tends to land. The Work of the A.A. /^•LEARLY, the air traveller will re- >-> quire some assistance if he is to cope successfully with the preliminary preparations which must be made, unless he has unlimited leisure in which to pursue his enquiries. He will be well advised to consult the Avia- tion Department of the Automobile Association in the first instance, for this organisation, under the able direction of Mr. Ivor McClure, a pilot of wide experience, has amassed a wealth of data which enables it to smooth the way. The Department will undertake the preparation of maps, will obtain all official sanction, and will, in fact, if required, do everything necessary short of flying the machine. If, on the other hand, the pilot has time to spare for the preparation of his own maps, the A.A. will give him every assistance, and will place at his disposal any information available. They have compiled a large library of maps of many routes, marked with all particulars essential to the pilot, and these may be hired at reasonable rates. The method of mounting in strip form, with an index on eaoh section of the fold, makes these maps very convenient to handle in the air. Nevertheless, it is a pity that there should be so much, and often unnecessary, work involved in the planning of a long-distance tour. The fast private aeroplane loses some of its usefulness if weeks of international preparation are necessary before the owner may set off to the ends of the earth. Everybody hoped that the aeroplane would automatically reduce the height of the walls of formality surrounding each nation, but so far the invention of flying appears to have made nations even more sensitive about their rights— and officials even more excited about pocket Kodaks. AH the papers and passports in the world cannot keep the really dangerous people out of a country. In the meantime, Mr. McClure and his staff are to be congratulated on the efficiency and courtesy with which th« Aviation Department is run.
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