AIR TRAN SPORT NEWS
Page 48
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JERSEY LINE PROGRESSING.
Figures of passengers carried on the daily Portsmouth-Jersey air service of Jersey Airways, Ltd., are not available, but we are advised by Mr. W. L. Thurgood that on only two days this month has flying been prevented, due to bad weather, and that on some days traffic has called for the use of a second Dragon. The two off days were January 4 (fog) and January 14 (high wind). Jersey Aero Club has been formed to provide a social side to the movement, and Captain Maslin, of Portsmouth, Southsea, and Isle of Wight Aviation, Ltd., is, in a few days' time, going across to organize it.
Stockton Aerodrome Scheme Revived.
Stockton Town Council has revived its scheme for a municipal aerodrome and inquiry is beflig made at the Ministry of Health as to whether a grant will be forthcoming towards the cost. A previous scheme was deferred in 1931.
Croydon Wireless Beam Discussed.
A conference of Air Ministry officials and representatives of the operating companies, the Automobile Association, Airwork, Ltd., and the Marconi concern was held at Croydon on January 15 to discuss the wireless beam system. The suggestion was made of reducing the range from about 100 miles to 30 miles, which makes possible a transmitting tower only 35 ft. instead of 100 ft. high. The beacon has proved capable of leading an aeroplane through fog right up to within 200 yards of the tower. Aural reception has been asked for instead of, or in addition to, the visual reception (vibrating reeds) hitherto used.
Consultants at Work at Halifax.
Mr. Eskell, manager for Sir Alan Cobham, visited Halifax a few days ago and made a tour around the district in company with the sub-committee which Halifax Corporation has appointed to deal with the question of the provision of a municipal aerodrome.
Improvement of Yeadon Aerodrome.
Steps are being taken to enlarge the Leeds-Bradford municipal aerodrome so as to provide improved landing and taking-off facilities. The scheme provides for the addition of 35 acres on the east side of the aerodrome and 171 acres of land to the south. When the extension is completed there will be a 1,000-yard run in every direction. £8,350 will be 'spent on draining, levelling and surfacing.
Scottish Autogiro Development.
Speaking to members of the Royal Philosophical Society in Glasgow University last week, Don Juan de in
B38 Cierva stated that up to date 150 Autogiros had been built. Speed had been developed up to 125 m.p.h., and the take-off run reduced to 20 yards. The machine could travel as slowly as 10 m.p.h. The new machine being built by G. and J. Weir, Ltd., Cathcart, Glasgow, S.4, would be a singleseater capable of 90 m.p.h Scottish Services: Application for Subsidy.
Companies and municipalities interested in air services in Scotland have sent a request, through Sir Geoffrey Collins, the Secretary of State for Scotland, for a subsidy for the development of civil aviation in the north of Scotland. It is pointed out that the Government assists Imperial Airways, Ltd., in its European and Colonial services, and the claim is made that air services in sparsely populated highland areas are essential.
Hillman's Service: 42 Passengers.
In the week to January 12 Hillman's Airways, Ltd., carried 42 single-journey passengers on the daily Romford-Paris air service. Charter flights were made over London on January 9 and to Cambridge on January 11.
M.S.A.F.—K.L.M. AGREEMENT.
Mr. John C. Sword, managing director of Midland and Scottish Air Ferries, Ltd., announces in regard to last week's statement of plans for the summer (by which Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland are to be linked up with the Continent), that an agreement has been reached with the K.L.M. concern. The 16 aeroplanes at present in use will probably be increased to 21. Arrangements are being made for connections to Southampton and Portsmouth, as well as to Croydon.
Nairn Considering Sites.
Nairn Town Council is to consider the question of an aerodrome and is to inspect a site at the golf course. Nairn is 15 miles from Inverness.
Hastings Appoints Heston Consultants.
Hastings Corporation has appointed Messrs. Norman, Muntz and Dawbarn as the Council's aerodrome consultants to advise upon the scheme for the preparation of a landing ground and the ultimate construction of an aerodrome at Pebshain Estate, Messrs. Norman and Dawbam have inspected the site in company with the borough engineer and informed the committee that in spite of the obvious difficulties regarding drainage and surfacing, making it appear almost impossible for a licence to be obtained by next spring, they were struck with the possibilities, and feel that in view of the problems arising from the neighbouring hills and the existing or proposed building developments, any initial scheme, however temporary in character, should be based on a seriously considered final scheme.
New de Havilland for Imperials.
The smallest British four-engined commercial aeroplane yet constructed, built by the do Havilland Aircraft Co., Ltd., to the order of Imperial Airways, Ltd., made its first test flight at Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgware, on January 15. It is a biplane with four Gipsy engines mounted on the lower wing, and it carries a crew of two and up to 10 passengers. The speed is not yet determined, but will be in excess of 120 m.p.h. This new type is designed to provide a replica in miniature of the big four-engined liners, with the same characteristics of reliability, comfort, absence Of noise, etc., whilst its lower cost of operation renders it suitable for feeder services connecting with the main Empire routes.
Wallasey Searching.
Wallasey Corporation has asked the borough surveyor to submit a report as to any' land in the borough suitable for use as an aerodrome.