VINTAGE AIRCRAFT

page VINTAGE AIRCRAFT Sir,

Sir,

As a very recent convert to MOTOR SPORT, which I started -reading at the same time as acquiring an Austin Seven Special, I was morethan .interested in reading Peter Hull’s article on vintage aeroplanes, which are more in my line-. As flying is essentially is ” motor sport,” may we have more space devoted to this elixir of pastimes, with particular accent on races and nwetings ?

A few points in Mr. Hull’s write-up are worthy of further mention : the Hawker Cs-griet G-E1311113, the oldest aircraft mentioned, is contrary to his statement, little more t lena a museum piece., for it, is given an airing only on rare occasions and is not. flown outside the airfield boundary. When it appeared at White Waltham last summer it had been transported by road and reassembled for the flying display. Full throttle is needed in order to maintain height and the ignition is not duplicated.

The Aero Club Cadet G,ACHP is no longer operated from Cowes by Messrs. Saunders Roe, for the C. of A. expired -nearly two years ago, since when it has rested, admittedly intact, -at White Waltham. It is available for gale, so may take the air again one day.

I have made no check through the register, but can mention at least one aeroplane worthy of note that was omitted from the article; I refer to the Hawk-Major G-ACY0, which, converted to a Single-seater, was flown in last year’s King’s Cup Race and is now living at Birmingham. An interesting aeroplane that I examined recently was a Bristol Fighter which, I was assured by the owner, had been built as recently as 1930 and had never flown. It was not a freak constructed for museum purposes, but a genuine works-made specimen • acquired by an enthusiast before leaving the factory. This is now undergoing an extensive overhaul in readiness for its first flight

Perhaps some other readers may have some comments to make and even bring to light some elderly aeroplanes that have been ” lost ” for some .years. If

anyone happens to know where. the Gipsy-engined Comper Swift G-ABWW Jim disappeared I, for one, would be more. than interested to hear. I am, Yours, etc.,

DAVin F. Otaitvi.

Windsor. [Our correspondent also mentions some pre-1918 aeroplanes, but these were dealt With in our December issue.—ED.1