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Aviation History
1935
1935 - 0364.PDF
184 FLIGHT. FEBRUARY 14, i935> COMMERCIAL ^\V/AT/ON AIRLINES AIRPORTS • I-ORB *•• -•• ••>•'< ' - THE LARGEST SAVOIA : The Savoia-Marchetti S.74 carries twenty-seven passengers at a cruising speed of 174 m.p.h. This cantilever monoplane, which is distinctly reminiscent of the Fokker F.36, was described itrFlight on January 3. It may be used on part of the Sabena-Ala Littoria service between London and Rome and it is proposed that the passengers should be fed with oxygen while crossing the Alps. Air France Breaks the Ice CROYDON An Inveterate " Imperialist" : Diplomacy in a Hurry A Very Dry Martini ON one or two days last week the weather was such that ice formation was experienced on the Croydon routes. An Air France freighter landed near Dorking on this account, mainly as a precautionary measure, I under stand. Incidentally, a pilot of Spartan Air Lines on the Isle of Wight route passed over the spot shortly after the freighter's landing, and experienced a downward bump that brought him from 1,000 ft. to 400 ft. Air route pilots in general did not fly high during those days, thus avoiding the trouble with ice.' Air France, as it happens, is the first European company to fit de-icers as standard to all air liners, and the first Wibault so fitted was at Croydon last week. The de-icer selected is the American Goodrich, which is a system of in flatable rubber leading edges to wings and elevators. M. Boudrie tells me that the gadget is highly efficient, having been tried out with really heavy ice deposit which, until the de-icers (or defrosters, as Air France calls them—a less clumsy word) were brought into action, affected the flying of the machine. When the system was switched on the thick ice crust was dispersed immediately. It is quite time all com panies fitted these defrosters to their passenger-carrying machines, especially those with, metal wings. Miss Ruth Stuart Rodger is an Imperial Airways "fan." She has flown 5,000 miles on that company's aeroplanes, and started on another long trip last week, to Entebbe and M'beya (Africa), where she is to make a 5,000 ft. film of African natives and their customs, and of wild life. She won the Institute of Amateur Ciriematographer's gold medal last year with a film taken during one of her trips by Imperial Airways. It is understood that her mother presents her with these flights as birthday gifts. When I met Capt. Robertson, of Dunlop's, at about midday Inst week at Croydon, he had already visited Birmingham and Cambridge by air on business that morning. I wonder if other firms realise what they miss by not having a flying repre sentative. Among last week's passengers were M. Flandin, Sir John Simon, Babe Ruth (who is almost old enough to be called "Mr."), and a passenger from London to Soerabaia. There was also a mystery diplomat who said he had to get to a Continental city' at all costs on important international affairs. The aeroplane was fully booked but, luckily, a passenger cancelled. I am told the man of affairs was a real diplomat— with a horn-rimmed monocle. Anyway, Europe was saved. The second Boulton Paul feeder-line machine was delivered to Imperial Airways during the week. It is named Bntommt after the virgin who is famed in history for, among other exploits, jumping into the sea to avoid King Minos. The machine is aptly registered G—ACOY, and could doubtless be fitted with floats if pursued by a monarch. Capt. G. P. Qlley has taken delivery of a specially equipped D.H. 89. Luxurious "club-type" armchairs are fitted, and there is an ingenious system whereby the outer arms of the chairs let down into the gangway and can be raised if anyone wishes to pass. This gives extra large and comfortable seat ing accommodation. Itrwas rumoured that there were small cocktail cabinets, one for each passenger. A friend of mnie went up with Capt. Olley and afterwards said it was true, but there was "nothing in it." This seemed contradictory, until it transpired that my friend's particular cocktail outfit was empty. This machine is said to be very free from nois<\ ana »» ride bumps with remarkable ease; it touched 174 m.p.h- f'un^ a test flight last Saturday. The machine was decorated to Capt. Olley's own specification, and the prevailing tone is a subdued silver grey. A. VIATOR- The Future of A.B. Aerotransport Important recommendations have been made by the "°l Commission which has been considering civil aviation Sweden. It is suggested that the State should coutrl.DUr0. 2,500,000 kroner (£137,000 at par) to the present A.B. Ae transport, thus becoming Virtually the sole owner. At Pr^sj(,j the company receives subsidies in the form of a mail conJ^ and loans, while the night mail service has been nIlance<oer'. the Post Office on a basis of costs. So far A.B.A. has °£j,, ated no regular services in Sweden itself, and the Govern111 present agreement terminates at the end of 1936.
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