Although the intention had not been broadcasted, there was a good crowd at Waitarere beach yesterday when Mr Martin Butler, of Levin, tried out the monoplane that he has devoted his spare time for the past two years to building. The plane was transported to the beach in sections by motor lorry and assembled there. When this task was complete, she presented quite a smart appearance and when the engine was started at 2 p.m., everyone felt confident that success would attend the efforts of the young engineer-aviator.
Just as he speeded up the engine, however, the gasket blew out and a flood of water through the carburetor brought the engine to a standstill.
Although this caused considerable delay it was fortunate that the weakness was manifest before the plane took off.
At 4.10 p.m. the machine made a short run along the beach into the face of a stiff southerly breeze and in a short distance lifted nicely into the air. As this was entirely a trial it was not Mr Butler’s intention to make for altitude and after a short flight he made a very fine landing and took off again.
As the atmosphere was bitterly cold and the hour was late this was deemed sufficient trial for the day.
A perfect landing was made on the second occasion and the machine taxied back along the sand and was put away for the time being.
After one or two minor adjustments another trial will be made in a few day’s time.
Mr Butler expresses himself as entirely satisfied with the way the machine behaved and is looking forward to favourable conditions for the next attempt.
The machine is a monoplane with a wing spread of 33 feet. The engine is a Ford model A and develops 40 horse power with 2000 revolutions per minute and the cruising speed is estimated at 75 miles per hour. The work of construction was carried out at Mr J.C. Milnes’ Ford Garage.
At his trials yesterday My Butler was assisted by Mr Milnes and members of his staff, Mr W. Harding, Major Cowper (Instructor to the Levin Aero Club), Mr F. Carpenter and Mr Syd. Butt.
