AIR TRANSPORT NEWS
Page 45
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
GATWICK AND GRAVESEND: FINANCIAL LINK.
The Honey Syndicate, Ltd., proprietor of Gatwick aerodrome (the importance of which has been emphasized in our issues dated April 14 and December 29, 1933) has acquired an interest in Gravesend Aviation, Ltd., which owns the well-equipped Gravesend Airport. Thus two aerodromes within close reach of London come under the same co.ntrol, and the probable aim will be to attract Continental traffic. A few days ago Gravesend was honoured by a visit from the Director of Civil Aviation, Lieut.-Col. F. C. Shelmerdine and Mrs. Shelmerdine. Representatives of Imperial Airways, Ltd., Deutsche Lull. Hansa and S.A.B.E.N.A. also have been visiting the aerodrome just lately.
01ley Air Service. Ltd.
On January 10 01ley Air Service, Ltd., 10, Smith Square, London, S.W.1, was registered as a private company with 26,015 capital, the objects including the operation of air services and individual contract flights. In our issue dated January 5 it was announced that Capt. G. P. 011ey, one of the chief pilots of Imperial Airways, Ltd., had resigned his position to start business on his own. Details will be given later.
Night and Day Flying to the East.
A night-flying instruction contract for K.L.M. personnel has been arranged. This is because it is intended to operate the service from Holland to the East without halts at night.
A Six-cylindered Gipsy Engine.
We are now permitted to publish the fact that the four engines in the new de Havilland type-86 10-passenger biplane produced for Imperial Airways, Ltd. jillustrated on this page) are sixcylindered versions of the famous Gipsy Major inverted air-cooled unit. They develop 184 b.h.p. at the normal speed of 2,100 r.p.m. The possibilities of substituting this engine for the prototype, with air-frame modification, in de Havilland and other aircraft are obvious.
Airwork Engine Service.
Airwork Engine Service, Ltd., Heston, is at present working at the rate of 200 cylinder bores and 100 crankshaft journals weekly. The machines used are almost unique in England, so that road-vehicle engines are reconditioned to the standards imposed by the Air
craft Inspection Directorate. I nci den tally, during 1933 Airwork, Ltd., Heston, carried out 70 .aircraft overhauls for Certificates of Airworthiness.
Capital Needed for Aerodrome Scheme.
Capital is invited for the formation of a company to develop an aerodrome to serve one of the most important cities in Great Britain. The city in question is in urgent need of civil aerodrome facilities and a site is available little more than four miles out which has, we understan,d, been approved by the Air Ministry. Plans for its development have been drawn up by approved consultants, and statements of estimated revenue and costs, including figures for the operation of regular air services of an important and promising nature, have been prepared. The proposition has not been investigated by The Commercial Motor, but is believed to be sound, and inquiries addressed to the Editor will be promptly forwarded.
Infra-red Fog-piercing Photograehy.
Photography through mist, by the aid of film sensitive to infra-red rays and the use of a lens with an infra-red filter has been featured recently in The Times. Last week . the U.S. liner " Manhattan " put in at Southampton carrying a look-out camera of the mistpenetrating type which is being tried as an aid to navigation. The photographic record may be viewed a minute after the exposure is made, and further development along these lines may be of value to aviation. K.L.M. AMSTERDAM-HULL EXTENSION.
Last week we referred to a possible extension across England of the proposed Amsterdam-Hull air line. It has now been stated at The Hague that there will be an extension to Manchester, and a preliminary flight this week was made to Manchester to allow of certain discussions there. It is also stated that the company hopes to work in close co-operation with Midland and Scottish Air Ferries. Ltd., which con.
firms earlier news. The North Sea route is likely to open on June 1, when Hull aerodrome ought to be ready.
Stag Ii,ane Closed to Public.
Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgware, Middlesex, having been sold by the de 1-lavillanel Aircraft Co„ Ltd., is now closed to public use and the Air Ministry licence was cancelled on January S. As previously announced, the de Havilland works are moving to Hatfield.
Record 1933 Air-mail Traffic.
The weight of letters sent by air mail from Britain in 1933 amounted to 85 tons, compared with 64 tons in 1932, parcels totalling 67 tons, as against 57 tons.
44 Passengers on Hillman Line.
In the week to January 19, Hillman's Airways, Ltd., carried 44 single-journey passengers on the Romford-Paris line. A charter flight was made to Southampton.
.Swansea: Mr. Norman Appointed.
On Monday, Swansea Parliamentary Committee appointed Mr. Nigel Norman, of Messrs. Norman, IVIuntz and Dawbarn, Heston, to advise as to the best site for an aerodrome. It is stated that the complete scheme will cost about £40,000,