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Aviation History
1939
1939 - 1239.PDF
4 FLIGHT. APRIL 27, 1939 the barest minimum of equipment and (as is so often found with such aircraft) an irresponsible pilot of mediocre ability. This is a combination which can be a menace to all other aircraft flying at the same time, and which is at all times a source of delay and consequent expense to other operators, no matter how well equipped their machines may be, or how careful and conscientious their pilots. It is felt that, whilst much has been done to provide facilities for landing in fog, insufficient attention has been paid to the problem of handling waiting aircraft, and, in the writer's opinion, the greatest danger in foggy weather is that of collision between approaching machines. There are a few items which require attention as a pre liminary to the final approach. The directional gyros must be kept constantly checked for heading, and care should be taken that the compass has really settled down before making any alteration to them—this is a point often un suspectingly overlooked. It is a good thing to keep a continuous record of the rate of wander of the gyros during the journey, for after the approach has begun it is inad visable to make any further alterations to their settings (in spite of advice given in books on how to fly) and a know ledge of what error is to be expected is helpful. It is often possible to wait a turn to land above cloud in clear air and, what is more important, smooth air. In such cases the descent should be so arranged that passengers are not upset by sudden increase of pressure, and generally a rate of descent of 100 metres a second is high enough. If the air is very rough at lower heights, it may, however, have to be considered whether it is preferable to descend more quickly and shorten the time to be spent in the bumps, although this may mean stuffed-up ears for those unfamiliar with the swallowing remedy. When turn No. 2 has been received, it is time to ask for the latest visibility ceiling and pressure at the aero drome if these have not been received within the last 15 minutes, and to set the sensitive altimeters to the QFE. At some aerodromes there is a prearranged system of height zoning for waiting aircraft—No. 1 flies at 400 metres, No. 2 at 700, No. 3 at 1,000, and so on (the actual heights are, of course, arbitrary), and at others height zoning is done to suit the needs of the moment. There is an unfortunate inclination on the part of some Ground Controls to assume that all is well as long as only one machine is in the control zone at a time, and all the assistance that other machines can get is to be told to "stay outside." Improvement in this matter so as to avoid the risk of waiting aircraft col liding with each other or obstructing the machine actually approaching to land would appear to be best achieved by pilots insisting on definite information and instructions. In this country there is often unsatisfactory working, and, not infrequently, actual danger, because of the fact that the Controls have no authority to issue instructions to any aircraft, but can give advice only; and there have been many instances of near collisions because certain pilots have thought fit to disregard such advice. Of course, whether control officers would be found willing to assume the responsibility of giving definite instructions for the pittance of a salary they receive is another matter, but it is certain that unless action in this matter is taken by the authorities, there will sooner of later be a grisly accident through some moron of a pilot disregarding advice from the ground and trusting once too often to the size of the sky to enable him to miss other machines. (To be concluded next week, when Mr. Brent will discuss in detail the technique of beacon approaches and landings). GARDEN PARTY MILITANT TAEMONSTRATIONS by flights of Hurricanes and Blenheims, U arranged by the Air Ministry, will be an outstanding feature of this year's Garden Party of the Royal Aeronautical Society, to be held at Fairey's Great West Aerodrome, near Hayes, Middlesex., on Sunday, May 14. Another Service contribution will be aerobatics by Sqn. Ldr. Donaldson. Among the aircraft which, it is hoped, will be shown or demonstrated by their manufacturers are: Boulton Paul Defiant; Blackburn Skua; Hawker Hurricane; Westland Lysander II; Miles Master; D.H. Moth Minor; C.40 Autogiro; a new Arpin , Chilton; Wicko; General Aircraft pressure-cabin machine and the tricycle Cygnet; Luto Major and Buzzard ; Moss Pobjoy Sports and Cirrus Trainer; Percival Q.6, Vega and Mew Gull; and Willoughby Delta. Airline companies will contribute a D.H. Albatross, Lockheed t4, Douglas D.C.3 and Bloch 220. Messrs. R. G. J. Nash and R. O. Shuttleworth will again produce historical types, their flying of which was such a popular feature of last year's party. Again this year there will be a " static show '' of accessories and equipment. Tickets (5s., including tea), can be obtained through members of the society. CO-OPERATION AT TORQUAY ABOUT 250 members of the Exeter and the Plymouth and District Aero Clubs and their friends attended the ball at the Grand Hotel, Torquay, on April 14, which was jointly organised by both clubs. It was a great success and provided a much-needed opportunity for the members of these two clubs to meet and exchange news and views. The guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Torquay (Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Price), Sir Arthur and Lady Hollely, Mrs. F. G. Miles (Civil Air Guard Commissioner), and Mr. Whitney Straight and his wife. Lady Daphne. The dance was preceded by an informal supper. The Mayor of Torquay expressed regret that his town could not boast of a similar club, and drew attention to the valuable work of the Exeter and Plymouth clubs in training pilots. These two cities, he said, owed a debt to Mr. Whitney Straight. Mr. Straight, replying, outlined the rapid recent growth of the two clubs, and reminded his hearers of the individual who had established the basis from which they had grown, and whose constant endeavour had helped to bring them up. He was speaking of Mr. W. R. Parkhouse—founder of Haldon and present manager of Exeter. He expressed his appreciation of the fact that Mrs. Miles had come from London to attend the dance, and referred to her work as a C.A.G. Commissioner. Mrs. Miles said that she had not been to the Exeter or Plymouth clubs before because the reports which she had received from them were first-rate. Those reports compared very favourably with other clubs, and she had postponed her visits until the summer. Other speakers were Sir Arthur Hollely, Mr. C. R. Browne, a member of Exeter City Council, and the two airport managers. Thurs.; «h. Fri. Son. Moo-. 5th. 14th. 15th. Tues., 16th. Sat., Thurs. 20th. 25th. Forthcoming Events MAY. R.Ae.S. Lecture* : " Strength of Thin Metal Construction," by H. L. Cox. Official opening of Guernsey Airport by Sir Kingsley Wood. R.Ae.S. Garden Party, Falreys' Great West Aerodrome. " The High Ball "—Air League Dinner and Dance, Grosvenor House, London. Aero Golfing Society: Flight' Trophy, Wentworth. Empire Air Dav. R.Ae.S. Wilbur Wright Memorial Lecture by Dr. G. W. Lewis. Sat., Mon.. Sat., Sat., Wed., Sat., Sat., Sat., 27 th. 29th. 10th. 17th. 21st. 24th 8th. 8th- London-I.O.M. Race. Manx Air Derby and Tynwald Race. JUNE. Brooklands Flying Club "At Home." Official opening of Derby Municipal Airport (Burnaston) by Sir Kingsley Wood. Aero Golfing Society : Jubilee Cup, Berkshire Golf Club. Royal Air Force Garden Party. JULY. Official Opening of Birmingham Airport (Elmdon) bv H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent. Sun., 16th. National Gliding Contests, Great Hucklow. * This lecture takes olace at 6.30 p.m. at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Storey's Gate, London. S.W.I.
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