Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 1, 2012 0:36:36 GMT 12
Was this New Zealand's first ever 'official' homebuild aircraft?
Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 268, 12 November 1931, Page 11
"BABY" AEROPLANE.
Flights in Christchurch
CERTIFICATE APPLIED FOR.
Several successful flights over Christchurch and suburbs have been made recently in a diminutive one-man aeroplane built by Leading-Aircraftsman W. S. Dini, of St. Albans, and a certificate of airworthiness for the craft has been applied for.
The 'plane, which is as small a machine as can be built to support a man's weight, has been satisfactorily reported on by aircraft inspectors, and it is confidently anticipated that the certificate will be granted. Until then, however, the craft is not permitted to fly beyond gliding distance of the Wigram aerodrome.
Interesting experimental work has been carried out on the machine--styled a "Heath-Parasol"—and, in trial flights, it has attained a height of 2300 ft and a speed of 60 m.p.h. It is smaller than a Moth, and looks a midget when ranged alongside a powerful Bristol Fighter.
Weighing but 3001b, it is capable of being lifted by one man. Its wing span is 25ft only, its length 16ft and its height from the ground 6ft. The motive power is provided by a converted motor cycle engine developing 25 h.p.. The petrol consumption is exceedingly light, for the 'plane does over thirty miles' to the gallon; it carries 5½ gallons.
A feature of'the craft is its remarkably low landing speed, 28 miles an hour, compared with that of 40 m.p.h. of a Moth. Mr.
Dini has put in over two years' work into his proud possession, and during that time has encountered setbacks and disappointments of all kinds, but declares that all his efforts have been very worth while.
Should the machine be given a certificate, it will be the first New Zealand made 'plane to be registered and to receive the distinction. Mr. Dini then contemplates a flight to Ashburton and back. On October 15 and 16 Captain White flew the 'plane on three occasions, and once on a flight of an hour's duration he reached the height of 2300 ft. He circled over Cathedral Square and then returned to the 'drome, where he gave an exhibition of vertical turns and side-slipping.
Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 268, 12 November 1931, Page 11
"BABY" AEROPLANE.
Flights in Christchurch
CERTIFICATE APPLIED FOR.
Several successful flights over Christchurch and suburbs have been made recently in a diminutive one-man aeroplane built by Leading-Aircraftsman W. S. Dini, of St. Albans, and a certificate of airworthiness for the craft has been applied for.
The 'plane, which is as small a machine as can be built to support a man's weight, has been satisfactorily reported on by aircraft inspectors, and it is confidently anticipated that the certificate will be granted. Until then, however, the craft is not permitted to fly beyond gliding distance of the Wigram aerodrome.
Interesting experimental work has been carried out on the machine--styled a "Heath-Parasol"—and, in trial flights, it has attained a height of 2300 ft and a speed of 60 m.p.h. It is smaller than a Moth, and looks a midget when ranged alongside a powerful Bristol Fighter.
Weighing but 3001b, it is capable of being lifted by one man. Its wing span is 25ft only, its length 16ft and its height from the ground 6ft. The motive power is provided by a converted motor cycle engine developing 25 h.p.. The petrol consumption is exceedingly light, for the 'plane does over thirty miles' to the gallon; it carries 5½ gallons.
A feature of'the craft is its remarkably low landing speed, 28 miles an hour, compared with that of 40 m.p.h. of a Moth. Mr.
Dini has put in over two years' work into his proud possession, and during that time has encountered setbacks and disappointments of all kinds, but declares that all his efforts have been very worth while.
Should the machine be given a certificate, it will be the first New Zealand made 'plane to be registered and to receive the distinction. Mr. Dini then contemplates a flight to Ashburton and back. On October 15 and 16 Captain White flew the 'plane on three occasions, and once on a flight of an hour's duration he reached the height of 2300 ft. He circled over Cathedral Square and then returned to the 'drome, where he gave an exhibition of vertical turns and side-slipping.
