By 1929
Hamilton was starting to capture the flying bug. Leo White, in Wingspread,
his 1941 history of New Zealand aviation history wrote, Early commercial
flying in the Waikato became a veritable maze of endeavour, but little or
nothing in the way of signposts remains to indicate chronological order. By way
of compensation, however, the historian with a sense of humour gains unexpected
reward for his labours with a distinctly burlesque twist to it. Finding
this quote eased my mind as I tried to stitch together the story, and in
particular the early of Stan Blackmore, who can arguably be called the father
of flightseeing in New Zealand, and his development of Waikato Aviation through
to Blackmore’s Air Services.
The short-lived Hamilton Airways had been established and in late 1929 moves were afoot to establish an aero club. Late 1929 also saw the arrival in Hamilton of an English pilot, Ray Money, who had flown in the Royal Flying Corp during the First World War. He became involved in the evolving flying scene in Hamilton, becoming a part owner of de Havilland DH60G Gipsy Moth, ZK-AAV (c/n 1185). This aircraft had been registered to Hamilton Airways on the 29th of November 1929. He used this aircraft for air taxi and flight training work, one of his pupils being Stan Blackmore who had acquired Southern Cross Airways’ Blackburn Bluebird III ZK-AAQ (c/n 1450/1). Leo White recounts its arrival and his early flying days…
Stan Blackmore became the next owner of the Bluebird. It was brought to Hamilton by Money, who commenced giving Blackmore flying lessons, until one morning the former turned up late for the day's lesson. Stan had had about two hours and 20 minutes dual instruction, but impatiently he decided that was enough tuition for any man. Promptly he took off and has been a pilot ever since. The next important event in the life of the Bluebird transformed its appearance and its capabilities, for it was taken to Hobsonville and fitted with floats. Money and Blackmore then flew to Hokianga harbour, North Auckland. Money was at the controls on the northward trip but Stan flew the Bluebird from the Hokianga, although he had had no experience with floats.
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| An early photo of the Blackburn Bluebird ZK-AAQ with Stan Blackmore and his son standing in front of it. |
Stan Blackmore was born in Pirongia in 1900, In 1919 he got his driver’s licence in 1919 and by 1924 he had opened ‘Blackmore’s Garage’, which he set up with a business partner but which he soon owned in his own right. Meanwhile, in 1920, he was an active member of the newly founded of the Hamilton Motor Cycle Club and he gained a name for being an outstanding rider. He also took part in motor boat racing. His obituary in the Rotorua Daily Post of the 30th of March 1983 stated he was ‘‘swept up in the enthusiasm of New Zealand’s earliest aviators’’ and the ‘‘glamorous world of aviation’’ and his story was going to be weaved together with that of the Waikato Aviation Company.
On the 28th of July 1930 Ray Mooney and Martin Scott formed a new company, the Waikato Aviation Company, Limited, which shareholders were listed as being commercial aviators and aircraft proprietors. The new company had a capital, £100, in £1 shares with both shareholders having 50 shares each.
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| Early Waikato Aviation flight advertisements... Waikato Times, 21 August 1930 |
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| Waikato Times, 25 September 1930 |
An example of the company’s flying was reported in the Waikato Times on the 19th of September 1930… Rough weather was experienced By Mr R. R. Money, who took a passenger to Taupo from Wellington yesterday in a Gipsy Moth plane owned by the Waikato Aviation Company. The Moth left Wellington in extremely bad weather at 2.45 p.m., reaching Taupo at 5 p.m. Mr Money left Taupo at 5.15 p.m., landing at the Rukuhia aerodrome at 6 p.m. Tomorrow Mr Money will take the machine with a passenger to Auckland and the Bay of Islands, and expects to return on Tuesday.
A few days later, on the 25th of September the Times reported that the Waikato Aviation Company and Rotorua Airways have amalgamated. The new company will be known as Rotorua Airways, with headquarters at Rotorua, and will operate a de Haviland Puss Moth, a three-seater cabin monoplane and a standard Gipsy Moth. Rotorua Airways expected that tourist and passenger work would occupy most of the summer season.
On the 12th of October 1930 Ray Money flew the Gipsy Moth ZK-AAV
to Rotorua in preparation for the company to commence operations from there. On
the 16th Rotorua Airways took delivery of the Puss Moth ZK-ABG and Flying Officer
Money flew it from Hobsonville to Hamilton’s Rukuhia aerodrome. It was flown to
Rotorua on the 25th of October to take advantage of the crowds in Rotorua for
Labour Weekend and on the 28th of October 1930 the Rotorua Aerodrome was
officially opened and Rotorua Airways took off its own right.
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| Waikato Times, 6 December 1930 |
Leo White’s comment that early
commercial flying in the Waikato became a veritable maze of endeavour but
little or nothing in the way of signposts remains to indicate chronological
order now steps into play. Even though Waikato Aviation and Rotorua Airways
merged and moved to Rotorua, Waikato Aviation continued to operate from
Hamilton.
Whatever the arrangement in regards to Waikato Aviation Stan Blackmore took over the company’s operation and on the 2nd of December 1930 the Waikato Times reported A three-seater Desoutter monoplane has arrived in Hamilton for the Waikato Aviation Company's service. It was flown from Auckland recently by Mr S. Blackmore. Desoutter 1 ZK-ACJ (c/n D10), named Aorangi, was to become synonymous with Stan Blackmore.
The Desoutter's previous identity was G-AATI which two New Zealand pilots, Flying Officer Harold Piper and Flying Cyril Kay departed from Croydon in the United Kingdom on the 9th of February 1930, finally arriving in Sydney on the 3rd of April 1930. The Desoutter, which was named "Aorangi" was silver with a red upper fuselage and bore a tiki below the cockpit. The aircraft was shipped to New Zealand and on the 18th of April Cyril Kay flew it to Wigram.
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| Desoutter G-AATI at Wigram sometime in or after April 1930 |
In Wingspread Leo White recorded Stan Blackmore's first encounter with a Desoutter. Short-lived Bryant House Airways had commenced operations with a second-hand de Havilland Moth and a new Desoutter, ZK-ABX but which wore the incorrect registration ZK-AVX. When Bryant House Airways’ brief existence came to an end the Desoutter was bought by A. C. (“Mike”) Lavington, Te Kuiti architect and “Gerry” Cowper proceeded to joyride round the country in it. After a while Lavington came to the conclusion that it was about time he saw the machine again. He located it at Foxton, took Stan Blackmore there with him, and made history by seizing the plane. This was the first time in New Zealand that an aeroplane was repossessed. Blackmore flew the Desoutter back to Hamilton with Lavington as passenger, and Martin Scott became the owner not long afterwards.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand aircraft register shows Desoutter G-AATI was placed on the New Zealand register as ZK-ACJ and registered to Waikato Aviation Co Ltd on the 18th of December 1930.
The Waikato Times on the 2nd of January 1931 reported on the development of aviation in the Waikato… Except for private enterprise there has been little activity in aviation in the Waikato in recent months. Hamilton possesses two fine aerodromes, both controlled by private people. Since the visit of four machines from the Auckland Aero Club two months ago, there has been no flying at Mr. D. V. Bryant's ground. At Mr. J. Steele's aerodrome at Rukuhia, two machines are stationed. Both are owned by the Waikato Aviation Company. One is a Blackburn-Bluebird, which will be used as a school machine. The second is a Desoutter to which special interest is attached. This machine was built in England in January, 1930, and was flown from England to Australia by Messrs. Piper and Kay, the first New Zealanders to fly between the two countries named. The machine was bought by the Waikato Aviation Company in Auckland from Mr. H. L. Piper. It has been reconditioned and has been flown almost daily during the last few weeks by Mr. S. J. Blackmore, a Hamilton-trained aviator, who has done 140 hours' flying and has secured both his "A" and "B" certificates.
On New Years Day 1931 Raglan was enjoying its annual carnival day. Stan Blackmore was busy offering flights round the harbour all day, and a great many people availed themselves of the opportunity of taking their first flight.
The following day he flew to Kawhia
arriving there about 10.00am with Messrs. J. Blennerhassett and J. Henry as
passengers. On the 6th of January the Waikato Independent reported, A
Desoutter monoplane, the Aorangi, owned by the Waikato Aviation Company and
piloted by Mr Stanley Blackmore, came to grief when at Kawhia a few days ago.
The landing ground is situated on sand bank in the middle of the harbour, but,
as the tide was full in, only a small portion of it was exposed, says the King
Country Chronicle. The pilot reconnoitred a good deal before attempting to land.
Finally, he made for the full length of the available runway, but the distance
was totally insufficient, and the plane was soon enveloped in spray, water and
sand, and was heading at a high speed for the water's edge. Just as a plunge
into the tide was imminent, softer sand was encountered. The plane nose-dived
into this and turned completely over, coming to a standstill partly submerged
at the water's edge. The pilot and two passengers escaped injury. The Aorangi
was the plane which Messrs Piper and Kay, the New Zealand fliers, used on their
flight from England to Australia. Mr Blackmore purchased the machine, recently.
The plane was not seriously damaged, but one wheel was wrenched off. Other
reporting also noted a broken propeller
and “a slight injury to one of the wings.” All movable gear was dismantled and
the plane was taken to Kawhia for repairs.
The Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser of the 9th of January reported on the repairs… The aeroplane "Aorangi” which met with a mishap last Friday, was brought over by launch to Kawhia that evening and arrangements made to procure a new propeller to replace the broken one. Everything was in readiness by Sunday afternoon (the 4th) and after a number of flights around the harbour, the plane, returned Io Hamilton before dusk, Mr Blackmore (the pilot) being accompanied by Mr J. Henry.
On the 9th Blackmore was offering flights at Waihi Beach. On the 13th he made a trip to Napier via Rotorua, the following day to Auckland and to New Plymouth on the 22nd. On the 28th he was airborne again to welcome Guy Menzies to Hamilton as reported in the Waikato Times… Hamilton gave a right royal welcome to-day to Guy Menzies, the intrepid young Australian who recently made the first solo flight across the Tasman from Australia to New Zealand. Over 300 people assembled at the Rukuhia Aerodrome this morning to witness Mr Menzies’ arrival from Rotorua. The general impression was that he would bring with him the Southern Cross Junior, in which he made his memorable “hop,” but the machine had to be taken back to Wellington at Hastings for additional repairs. About 11 o’clock the two Gipsy Moth ’planes owned by the Canterbury Aero Club were sighted in the eastern sky. One was piloted by Mr Menzies, who had Mr A. James, his partner, as a passenger, and the other was in charge of Captain Mercer, of Christchurch, with whom was Mr W. J. Blakiston, of the Atlantic Union Oil Company. Mr S. J. Blackmore, the local pilot, immediately flew out to welcome the fliers in his cabin. Desoutter monoplane, and the three machines hovered over the town before landing at Rukuhia.
One month on from the Desoutter’s dunking in the Kawhia Harbour it was in the water again, this time at Mount Maunganui on the 2nd of February 1931. The Waikato Times reported, The Desoutter monoplane, owned by Mr S. J. Blackmore, of Hamilton, crashed into the sea in 6ft of water about 150yds from the Mount Maunganui Beach, near Tauranga, at noon to-day. The machine was piloted by Mr Blackmore, who had as passengers Mrs Blackmore, their young child, aged two, and Mr Hendry, also of Hamilton. Mrs Blackmore, who was standing at the door of the machine, which is of the sedan type, was thrown into the water, when the aeroplane struck the water. The two men occupants, one of whom was holding the child, were able to extricate themselves by breaking the glass windows and clambering on to the wing. Mrs Blackmore was able to make her way back to the machine without difficulty. Apart from minor abrasions none of the occupants was injured.
The machine had completed a flight from Hamilton and was about to land on the beach. A strong westerly wind was blowing, and a sudden gust caused the machine to tilt and strike the beach unevenly, one of the struts of the right wheel being buckled. Mr Blackmore banked sharply toward the open sea in an endeavour to take off again. The machine, however, had lost flying speed and the tip of the right wing struck the water, causing the aeroplane to nose-dive and capsize. The mishap was witnessed by a large number of holiday-makers, but the occupants had clambered on to the wing of the aeroplane before the first few people reached the scene. Willing helpers drew the machine up on to the beach. In addition to the buckled wheel strut damage was caused to the right wing and the propeller was splintered. The damage is estimated at between £80 and £100. The machine will be sent by rail to Hamilton, where repairs will be carried out.
After its swim in the harbour the Desoutter this needed more of a makeover and it re-emerged in an all green colour scheme carrying the misspelt name "Aoarangi" in black lettering.
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| Waikato Aviation's "Aoarangi", Desoutter ZK-ACJ, in its all green colour scheme. Photo : D A Walker Collection |
The following month Stan Blackmore appeared before the Courts on a charge of “trick flying.” The Waikato Times of the 25th of March reported on the hearing… A case of considerable Interest In aviation circles was heard In the Hamilton Magistrate’s Court, before Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M., when Stanley James Blackmore, the well-known local pilot, was charged with “trick" flying over the town on the evening of February 16.
Senior Sergeant Sweeney, who conducted the case for the police, stated that between 5 and 6 o’clock on the evening of February 16 defendant flew his machine over Hamilton. In the opinion of three constables who noticed the ’plane, it was flying low. The machine banked and went into a “dart" on two or three occasions. The case was brought to ascertain whether the manoeuvres of the ’plane constituted “trick” flying. There was apparently no mention of "trick" flying in the regulations. Constable R. G. Gibbison said that shortly after 6 p.m. he saw defendant’s machine flying over the town, It appeared to him to be flying much lower than other machines he had seen previously. The machine dived downward with the engine apparently shut off, and after coming down a considerable distance it rose sharply and turned a partial loop. This movement was repeated on the second occasion over Victoria Street. Witness saw defendant the following day. Defendant admitted that he had been stunting over the gasworks in Clarence Street and over the Hamilton Hotel. In conversation defendant told him that he would rise to a height of 1700 to 1800 feet and stunt down to about 1200 feet. The ’plane was fitted with an altimeter which was set at zero on leaving the aerodrome. He told witness that he believed a pilot could not stunt under an altitude of 1000 feet over any town. He also said he was conversant with the regulations governing flying in New Zealand. With the aid of a large envelope witness demonstrated the manoeuvring of the machine.
In answer to Mr King, witness was of opinion that the manoeuvre of the ’plane was a dangerous one. Constable A. Andrew, who was standing at the corner of Knox Street, described the movements of the plane. He had never seen a plane flying lower over the town. He could plainly see the persons in the machine. The machine was completely upside down for an instant. The lowest altitude the machine reached he would estimate at about 1800 ft.
Mr W. J. King, who appeared on behalf of Blackmore, pointed out to His Worship that “trick" flying was not defined anywhere in the regulations. The interpretation must therefore be left to the discretion of magistrates and judges when the circumstances came before them. It was submitted that whatever manoeuvre defendant had performed was not "trick” flying. The manoeuvre he had carried out was known as a “stalling turn," and was a usual flying manoeuvre. At no time was the plane in a more dangerous position than an ordinary bank. A plane, in turning, must bank, Mr King submitted. It could not go round on an even keel. The only evidence was that of the two constables, one of whom had said the plane was travelling upside down at one stage. The .other constable had told the Court that the plane did not go over and at no time was it more than an ordinary “ bank.” Counsel submitted that there was no evidence of trick flying and he held that there was no case to answer. His Worship disagreed with counsel’s submission.
Stanley James Blackmore said that he left the aerodrome at about 5.15, arriving back at about 5.30. He had with him as a passenger a Mr Henry. From an even keel he came down at a slight angle from 1750 feet to about 1000 feet. The plane was then turned in a left bank, coming round in the opposite direction. Witness ridiculed the idea of the plane flying upside down; it would be impossible to fly it in that condition without the occupants falling out. The manoeuvre he had carried out was not “trick" flying. Cross-examined, witness denied telling ’Constable Gibbison the following day that he had been stunting over the town. The movement he had carried out, while not necessary, was not unusual. Dr. M. M. Hockin, superintendent of the Waikato Hospital, said he was at the aerodrome at the time Blackmore left and he watched him throughout his trip over the town. The manoeuvre Blackmore had performed could not be termed “trick" flying, in his opinion. Witness, who stated that he had had 12 hours’ flying experience, described his movement as a “stall.”
Thomas J. Henry, a passenger in the plane with Blackmore on the occasion in question, corroborated the description of the manoeuvre as given by defendant. There was no danger in the movement and the plane had never been lower than 1000 feet. Cross-examined, witness considered there were approximately four turns made. The turns were not necessary but were not unusual.
His Worship, in reviewing the evidence,
pointed out that the provisions of the regulations were that no person should
fly a machine for exhibition or stunting purposes over closely settled areas.
The evidence of one constable showed that defendant came down at a gradual
incline, rose quickly and turned his machine half over, in an almost
perpendicular bank. The other constable said that he came down not so acutely
and turned his machine, upside down for an instant, A passenger in the machine
said defendant bail made four turns and was stunting over the gas works, that he
was not flying in an ordinary way but carrying out manoeuvres which were not
necessary. On Blackmore’s own evidence he was flying for the pleasure he seemed
to get out of it. It was not for him to say that his movement constituted a
menace. Defendant must be convicted. A fine of 20s, with costs 10s, was
imposed. Mr King pointed out that this was apparently the first charge of this
nature brought before the court. He had failed to discover any similar charge
under this regulation.
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| Waikato Times, 18 April 1930 |
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The connection between Blackmore's Garage and Waikato Aviation... Waikato Times, 28 May 1931 |
On the 12th of August Stan Blackmore had an engine failure over Hamilton. The Waikato Times reported on the incident the following day… Owing to engine trouble a Desoutter cabined monoplane, owned and piloted by Mr Stanley Blackmore, of Hamilton, was forced down at Te Rapa about five o’clock yesterday afternoon. Mr Blackmore, accompanied by Mr W. McKenzie, dentist, of Te Awamutu (himself a skilled pilot), had been for a short flight over the town and was returning to the Te Rapa aerodrome, when the engine stalled while the machine was passing over Forest Lake. A strong opposing down wind was blowing at the time, and realising that he could not volplane to the landing ground, Mr Blackmore turned and brought his machine down against the side of a low hill adjacent to the Te Rapa Racecourse, hoping thereby to bring her to a stop. The wind carried her on up the hill, however, where she taxied through a wire fence Into the garden of a house occupied by Mr W. Mclntosh, where It came to rest beside a fallen log and a bank of earth about three feet high. This caused the plane to slew round parallel with and hard up against the bank, the end of the wing then being within but two feet of the side of the dwelling. It was only skilful handling that prevented the machine from crashing through the house and capsizing. As it was, it came to rest quite gently, and although the under-structure was carried away, the passengers were quite unhurt, while the fuselage and wings remained intact. The wings were later removed and the balance of the machine was brought into Hamilton to-day.
More and more the local community could see the potential of the aeroplane offering fast transport for passengers or urgent goods. An example was reported in the Waikato Times of the 19th of October 1931… An aeroplane was requisitioned yesterday in transporting urgent medical supplies from the Waikato Hospital to Rotorua. Word reached the Waikato institution yesterday afternoon that a special serum, not available in Rotorua, was urgently needed for the treatment of a case. Realising that it was a question of life and death and that the serum would be of no avail if sent through the usual channels the Medical Superintendent of the Waikato Hospital (Dr. M. M. Hockin), enlisted the services of the local pilot, Mr S. J. Blackmore. The serum contained in phials, was rushed by motor car to the Te Rapa aerodrome, and the ’plane took off at 2.50 p.m. Flying conditions were not ideal, a fairly strong head wind being experienced practically throughout the trip. After a run of 50 minutes the machine landed at Rotorua, where the precious phials were taken delivery of by relatives of the patient. There is marked improvement in the patient’s condition, according to advice from Rotorua this morning.
On the 15th of March the Times reported on another incident involving the Desoutter. The local pilot, Mr S. J. Blackmore, had an unenviable experience yesterday when a bolt from a landing wheel on his de Soutter monoplane fell out, making the wheel very insecure. Mr Blackmore temporarily fixed the wheel in the air, but the landing was fraught with danger. However, he made a perfect landing, running the machine to the shed without damage. Mr Blackmore flew to New Plymouth yesterday morning in one hour seven minutes and it, was while he was Hying In the afternoon that he noticed the bolt missing from one of the wheels. He had two New Plymouth pilots with him, but Instead of landing there he decided to return to Hamilton and land on a field he was familiar with. On the way home, one of the New Plymouth pilots took over control while Mr Blackmore climbed out Of the cockpit and placed a screwdriver in the bolt hole. The trip home had taken one hour ten minutes.
The following day the headlines read, “An Exciting Flight - Damage Repaired In Air - Unwarranted Sensationalism - Pilot’s Version Of Incident”. The story of a thrilling drama in mid-air from New Plymouth, reported to have been enacted between that town and Hamilton, on Sunday, is largely discredited by the central figure in the incident, Mr S. J. Blackmore, of Hamilton, to a Waikato Times reporter this morning, Mr Blackmore characterised the New Plymouth version of his flight to Hamilton as unwarranted sensationalism. Mr Blackmore explained that two Hamilton 'planes, a Desoutter monoplane, flown by himself, and a Moth ’plane piloted by Mr M. A. Scott, left Hamilton for New Plymouth on Sunday morning on a pleasure trip. They landed at the New Plymouth aerodrome, and after spending about an hour at the local club's club-house, the two Hamilton pilots, accompanied by two New Plymouth machines, took to the air. After flying over the town they returned to the aerodrome, and it was in landing that a bolt on the shock absorber leg of Mr Blackmore’s monoplane sheered and caused the undercarriage to come adrift. Wishing to have the machine back in Hamilton in the event of further damage in landing being incurred to the machine, he opened up the engine and took the air again. He circled over the landing field and shouted out to those on the ground that he was flying to Hamilton.
On the way to Hamilton he removed a
side window of the cabin and handed over the controls of the machine to one of
his passengers, Mr K. Martin, of New Plymouth. Leaning out of the window, he
secured the undercarriage, and with the aid of his other passenger, Mr E.
Smith, he strapped it up with a belt and piece of cheesecloth. Mr Smith held
him by the legs, as he leaned out of the window of the 'plane. Tying a
screwdriver to the end of a luggage rack rod he was able to work the
screwdriver through the defective bolt hole. After accomplishing this, Mr
Blackmore resumed control of the machine. The reason given by Mr Blackmore for
putting the undercarriage back in position was to obviate the possibility of
the machine tipping over in landing and thereby causing further damage. After
landing on the good wheel of the machine and keeping on it as long as possible
until the machine lost practically all way, the weight was taken by the damaged
undercarriage. The screwdriver, being a rather light one, bent and allowed the
shock absorber leg to collapse. The machine pivoted on the damaged shock
absorber leg and came gently to rest at an angle of about 90 degrees. The tip
of a propellor was slightly damaged, but the machine proper was not damaged in
any way. Mr Blackmore’s ’plane was accompanied back to Hamilton by Mr Scott in
his Moth machine.
Stan Blackmore had taught Dr. M. M. Hockin, superintendent of the Waikato Hospital, to fly in 1931 using his Blackburn Bluebird. In late August 1932 it was reported that after repeated requests from interested persons the Waikato Aviation Company Ltd. has decided to give flying instruction. The machine chosen for the purpose is a Blackburn light aeroplane with dual control in which the pupil sits beside the instructor, a very desirable feature and one that gives the pupil the necessary confidence. This machine is undoubtedly one of the most strongly constructed and best finished of the light aeroplanes and is the product of a firm world-famous for their fighters - craft and huge flying boats. The rates charged will be reasonable and will be in keeping with those of the leading aero clubs. The instruction will be in the capable hands of Flying-Officer Money, of Hamilton, who will give pupils the benefit of his large experience as an instructor in the Royal Air Force. Aviation enthusiasts in Hamilton and surrounding districts will welcome the opportunity of being able to learn to fly and have a machine available for their solo flying afterwards. Readers requiring further information are advised to get in touch with Mr Blackmore or Flying-Officer Money.
Ahead of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s visit to Hamilton on the 2nd of February 1933 the Waikato Times wrote a piece on the significance of three aircraft that were going to be present on that day - all three had flown from England to Australia… The ’planes will be the Southern Cross, piloted by Sir Charles, the Desoutter monoplane, Aorangi, which was flown from England to Australia by Messrs Piper and Kay and the De Haviland Moth biplane, Kia Ora, which was flown over the route by Mr Oscar Garden. The De Souter, which is owned by the Waikato Aviation Co., Ltd., will be flown by Mr S. J. Blackmore, and the De Haviland Moth will be flown by the owner, Mr T, Mullan. Besides these two local ’planes the Waikato Aviation Company’s other machine, a Blackburn Bluebird biplane, will also escort the Southern Cross to the aerodrome. The Blackburn Bluebird will be piloted by Dr. M. M. Hockin.
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| Stan Blackmore's Desoutter, ZK-ACJ, with Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's Fokker Trimotor, VH-USU, "Southern Cross" at an unknown location. Photo : Waikato Museum |
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| Waikato Times, 6 January 1933 |
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| Waikato Times, 8 February 1933 |
The Aorangi was in wars again in 1933 as recounted by Waikato Times. On the 22nd of February it reported, Skilful handling of his aeroplane by Mr S. J. Blackmore averted what might have been a serious mishap early this morning. Mr Blackmore, who was accompanied by “Scotty" Fraser, the well-known parachutist, and another passenger, was en route to Whakatane in the Desoutter monoplane “Aorangi," when at 7.30 a.m. the engine stalled owing to a blockage in the benzine feed pipe, and the pilot had to make a forced landing at Whitehall, about eight miles from Cambridge. The plane was skilfully landed In a small paddock, without damage, and after repairs had been effected, Mr Blackmore cleverly took off again.
On the 20th of March the report said, the Desoutter monoplane “Aorangi” piloted by Mr S. J. Blackmore, of Hamilton, damaged an undercarriage while landing at Te Aroha yesterday afternoon. The mishap occurred when the plane was landing at the conclusion of a passenger flight; one of the wheels striking a rabbit burrow. The machine was not extensively damaged and no one was injured.
On the 2nd of April 1933 one of Stan Blackmore’s students was killed while of a solo flight in his Blackburn Bluebird ZK-AAQ. The 19 year old, Raymond Eric Land, survived the accident and was rushed to the Waikato Hospital where his condition yesterday was reported to be favourable but he died unexpectedly some hours later.
An interesting part of Stan Blackmore’s early flying was his involvement with parachutist Scotty Fraser. On the 3rd of July 1933 the Waikato Times reported on a frightening incident at Te Aroha which perhaps today would be called parasailing. Suspended in mid-air, 3000 feet above the earth, buffeted by the strong wind, and unable to descend, Pilot Officer J. “Scotty” Fraser, the well-known parachutist, had an unenviable experience when making a parachute descent at Te Aroha yesterday. It was a most unusual Incident. The parachutist was making a descent from a Desoutter monoplane piloted by Mr S. J. Blackmore, of Hamilton, and when the machine had reached a height of 1500 feet he jumped from the cabin. As soon as the parachute opened a strong upward current of air carried it quickly skyward, until there was 3000 feet between the parachutist and the earth. Mr Fraser made strenuous efforts to reach the ground by spilling the air from his parachute, and after a hard struggle he ultimately came to earth, exhausted after having been aloft for 25 minutes. Usually a parachute jump from 2000 feet is completed in about 35 seconds. The plane also felt the effects of the air current, which caused it to glide from 1500 to 3000 feet, and it was some time before the pilot was able to land.
The following day the Times reported that an aeroplane was used as an ambulance yesterday in conveying a sick man from a back-block settlement 50 miles from Hamilton to the Waikato Hospital. The patient was Mr. E. W. Buckeridge, an elderly settler of Te Papatapu, situated on an arm of the Aotea Harbour, 14 miles from Kawhia. Mr. Buckeridge had been ill for some time and hospital treatment was considered necessary by his medical adviser. Owing to the condition of the road, it was impossible to drive the ambulance to Mr. Buckeridge's house. Arrangements were made with Mr. S. J. Blackmore for the use of a Waikato Aviation Company's machine. Mr. Blackmore, who was accompanied by a Hamilton doctor, flew to Te Papatapu and landed on the beach within a short distance of Mr. Buckeridge's house. The patient was carried on a stretcher to the machine and was placed in the cockpit. The ambulance was waiting for the aeroplane on its return to Hamilton and within an hour of leaving his house, the patient was put to bed in the Waikato Hospital.
On the 12th of July 1933 the Desoutter was involved in yet another incident. The following day the Taranaki Daily News reported on the incident… A rush flight from Hamilton with two wedding guests due at an evening ceremony at New Plymouth last night was terminated at the New Plymouth aerodrome after dark when Mr. S. Blackmore over-shot the line of waiting flares and his De Soutter monoplane rolled on through a boundary fence after landing safely on the aerodrome. No one was injured, the machine was only slightly damaged and the passengers were only a quarter of an hour late for the ceremony. The New Plymouth aerodrome staff was advised by telephone at 4.30p.m. that Mr. Blackmore had left Hamilton and expected to arrive at 5.45 p.m. by which time darkness had fallen. Flares were arranged in the line of. landing when darkness fell and soon residents of the Urenui and Waitara districts were telephoning to say that an aeroplane could be heard passing overhead. Mr. Blackmore was flying a trifle high when he came in to land and, forgetting a boundary fence running in a direction over the ground, he landed off the line of flares and the machine rolled on through the fence, although, by that time its pace had slackened considerably. The fence wires were pulled down and the under-carriage and floor of the plane damaged. Two struts were broken and the machine thrown forward on its nose, the propellor being smashed. Fortunately the plane passed squarely between two stumps that remain of a row of pines that once lined the fence; otherwise the damage might have been more. The monoplane was left out on the ground all night as it was too dark to ascertain the exact damage and inadvisable to expose a naked light. Mr. Blackmore said last night that he intended to repair the machine at New Plymouth but could not say how long the job would take as it might be necessary to send to Hamilton for spare parts. The passengers were Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, Te Aroha, and they were bound for the wedding of Mr. Clarkes brother, Mr. M. Clarke, and Miss B. Gay which was celebrated at St. Mary s Church, New Plymouth, last night. Mrs. Clarke changed from her travelling attire at the aerodrome club-house and they arrived at the wedding only a quarter of an hour late. Mr. Blackmore is a Hamilton garage proprietor and the monoplane is a privately-owned machine. The aircraft was repaired and flew back to Hamilton on the 14th.
From mid-December 1933 to mid-February 1934 toured New Zealand in his Avro 10 Trimotor, VH-UXX, “Faith in Australia.” During some of his visit Stan Blackmore and his Desoutter ZK-ACJ were employed as a tender in support of Charles Ulm’s visiting numerous locations around the country including Mangere, Nelson, Ikamatua, Karamea, Blenheim, Wellington, Napier, Putaruru, Hobsonville, Muriwai.
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| Waikato Aviation's Desoutter ZK-ACJ and Avro 10 Trimotor, VH-UXX, “Faith in Australia” at an unknown location. Photo : Waikato Museum |
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| Waikato Aviation's Desoutter ZK-ACJ, acting as a tender for the "Faith in Australia" tour at Ikamatua on 15 January 1934. Photo : I Coates Collection |
Sometime after Ulm and the 's visit the Desoutter was given its third colour scheme with a green upper fuselage, a cream-yellow lower fuselage, silver wings and tailplane and black struts.
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| A change of colour scheme for Waikato Aviation's Desoutter ZK-ACJ |
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| Waikato Times, 10 March 1934 |
On the 25th of November 1934 the Desoutter had another mishap. The Waikato Times reported two light aeroplanes were damaged yesterday when their pilots attempted to land on the property of Mr J. Ross, of Kiripaka, between Whitford and Maraetai. A coupe Moth, the Bullet, owned and flown by Mr G. E. Marni Kerry, of Auckland, with Mr R. G. Tappenden as passenger, took off from Mangere early in the afternoon for a flight to Clevedon and round the coast to Maraetai. Engine trouble was noticed by the pilot while flying over the coast, and it was decided to land as soon as possible. After passing over some rough country, Mr Ross’ farm was located, and a paddock was selected. Unfortunately, the ground sloped steeply, and the machine turned over as soon as it touched. The pilot and passenger made hurried exits after releasing their safety belts, urged by the fear of fire, when petrol started to pour from the damaged tank. Both men escaped without a scratch. The damage to the Moth was considerable. When it struck, the machine ploughed a deep hole in the ground.
Mr S. J. Blackmore, of Hamilton, who had passengers in his Desoutter cabin monoplane Messrs W. J. Sexton, captain of the Auckland Aero Club, and Mr H. J .D. Lamber, planned to help the pilots who had encountered difficulties earlier. He flew low over a prospective landing-ground and then glided in to make a cross-wind landing. The machine touched on ground sloping slightly upward, and leaped into the air again when a steeper slope was struck unexpectedly. It landed heavily on the right wheel, smashing the under-carriage, and then continued on its nose for a short distance, breaking the tips of the propeller blades and damaging the exhaust-pipe. The occupants were not hurt. No time was lost in dismantling the undercarriage and removing the propeller of Mr Blackmore’s aeroplane. The owner said, he would carry out repairs on the spot after obtaining the necessary parts, and hoped to accompany the latest Tasman fliers, Messrs R. G. Whitehead and E. R. Nicholl, on a visit to Te Aroha early this week.
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| The unfortunate aircraft, De Havilland DH60X Moth ZK-UMK (above) and Desoutter ZK-ACJ (below) on the 25th of November 1934. Source : NZ Herald, 26 November 1934 |
Stan Blackmore and his Desoutter did attend the air pageant at Te Aroha on the 28th of November 1934 but it turned out to be a tragic day and was recounted in the reporting of the coroner’s case which followed.
One of the saddest fatalities In the history of aviation In the Waikato occurred at Waihou on November 28, 1934, when Clarence Waite, aged 29 years, was killed when the aeroplane he was piloting collided with another plane, Waite’s machine crashing and the pilot being killed Instantly. An inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Waite was conducted to-day, before Mr Neville Ray, coroner. The fatality occurred at an air pageant that was being conducted by the Te Aroha Aero Club. Waite, the club captain, was engaged In a mock battle with a Desoutter monoplane owned and piloted by Mr S. J. Blackmore, of Hamilton. The machines were 1500 feet up when the collision occurred, Waite’s D.H. Moth shedding a wing and crashing straight to the earth. Although the tail-piece of his machine was badly damaged Blackmore managed to retain partial control, and despite the plane capsizing he escaped with a broken nose. Waite’s machine was a total loss, but Blackmore’s machine was not extensively damaged. There was very little public interest in the case, only a few people being in Court. Constable W. Monson represented the police, Mr G. H. Nicholls the Aero Club, and Mr W. J. King appeared for Blackmore.
Robert Coulter, Mayor of Te Aroha and
president of the Te Aroha Aero Club, stated that he saw the two machines
participating in a mock battle at the pageant. They were approaching each other
closely and then drawing off to approach again. As he was watching he noticed
the machines come close together, and then saw pieces drop from the planes. One
machine appeared to go on its way, while the other machine went into a spin and
dived for the ground. Witness at that time did not know which machine fell. Witness,
suspecting that a fatality had occurred, drove his car to the spot. He was
accompanied by R. G. Tappenden, of Auckland. After the wreckage had been pulled
away witness and Tappenden found Waite in the cockpit. The pilot was dead.
Witness added that he was talking to Waite in Te Aroha shortly after 11 o’clock
on the morning of the fatality, the conversation being in regard to whether to
hold the pageant or not. Deceased suggested that in view of the non-arrival of
five machines as anticipated the programme be reviewed. Witness suggested that
the “dogfight” item should be deleted, and that Ihe two machines which had
arrived should be used for passenger flights alone. Deceased replied that the
public would expect a mock battle, and added that the club should keep faith
with them. Witness still suggested the mock battle be abandoned, but deceased
maintained that the public would want to see it, and as it had been advertised
they were entitled to see it. When witness left Waite he (witness) had not
agreed to holding the mock battle.
In answer to Mr King, witness stated that the, pageant was being run by the Aero Club, in conjunction with Mr Martin Scott, of Auckland, who was to provide the machines. Owing to the shortage of machines the programme was disorganised. In answer to further questions by Mr King witness said that his firm opinion was that the dog-fight should not be held. Waite apparently had opposite opinion. Waite had not discussed with witness the suitability of Blackmore’s machine for a dog-fight.
Witness could not say how the planes came into collision. Waite's machine was not owned, by the Te Aroha Aero Club. Clive Kingsley Smith, secretary of the Te Aroha Aero Club stated that he had a conversation with deceased just prior to the dog-fight. Witness asked Waite what the next item would be and received the reply that the dog-fight was next. Witness heard Waite ask Blackmore if he were game to "give the dog-fight a go." Blackmore, after deliberation, agreed, saying “Don’t forget I am blind on both sides and for Heaven’s sake watch my tail." Waite said: "All right. You keep to the left and I will keep to the right all the time, and there will be no trouble.” The machines took off shortly after, Waite fixing a smoke bomb to his machine. The mock battle proceeded as usual. They came together several times and then witness saw the Moth execute a sleep stall-turn and come back quickly, and the collision occurred.
The wing on the Moth held together for a second and then crumpled at about 1400 feet. When about 800 feet from the ground the other wing bent backwards, and the plane dropped as a dead weight. Blackmore’s plane descended in a very sleep curve and landed to within 40 feet of witness in another paddock. Witness was instructing the announcer about the manoeuvres when the accident occurred. Cross-examined by Mr King, witness said that he had repeated the only conversation he heard between Blackmore and deceased. Witness knew that Blackmore could see nothing above, or behind him owing to the construction of his machine. The other machine, flown by Waite, had perfect vision on all sides, above, and behind. When Waite made the stall-turn, he was at a higher level than the Desoutter plane. In doing the turn the Moth would be out of Blackmore’s vision.
The next witness was the pilot of the Desoutter, Stanley James Blackmore professional aviator, of Hamilton. He stated that he attended the Te Aroha Aero Club Pageant at the invitation of Mr Martin Scott. Witness rang Waite and told him that he would put on a parachute jump for the club when he arrived at the drome. On the day, Waite said they had been let down by a number of machines. Waite asked witness to take the place of another Moth on the programme, and witness replied that he would do all he could to help. He suggested ringing Thames and Whakatane to get another Moth but deceased said it was too late. When witness agreed to take part in the “dog-fight" he thought Mr Tappenden was to fly the Moth.
Continuing his evidence witness said it was later decided that Waite should fly the Moth. Witness, Waite and Tappenden had a discussion, witness stating that 'they could not hold a “dog fight,” in the true sense, as he did not have any vision, but, so that the Club should have the opportunity to let off the smoke bomb, It was agreed that witness should chase Waite who would let the bomb off and dive behind some trees. In detailing the arrangements made witness said that he was to have been piloting the pursuing machine, and Waite was to have piloted the fleeing machine. Waite could have done some “stick-turns” while witness was chasing him, as long as he always kept in front of witness. Witness warned Waite about the blind spots on his machine, and after the arrangements were completed, Mr Tappenden also warned Waite. Just prior to taking off witness warned Waite again. Waite then said: “We will pass on the right every time.” This was a rule of the air and the first passing was done as arranged.
After passing, witness turned to come in behind deceased’s plane as arranged, but Waite was nowhere in sight. Witness continued straight on, and a machine then screamed passed his tail, in his opinion far too close. Witness turned to get behind Waite, but after levelling up, deceased was nowhere in sight. Witness then throttled down his engine and flew slowly towards the trees, expecting Waite to overtake him. Suddenly he saw a plane diving from a higher level and from behind at his cabin window. Witness, seeing a collision would occur if he kept going, opened the throttle and dived also, turning to the left to take his tall from the path of the other machine. The other machine did not alter its course and there was a terrific crash. Witness concluded that the other machine had struck him with its undercarriage and was all right.
Witness’ machine was out of control but he regained partial control. The left rudder was jammed on, but using a full engine and full right aileron, came down in a fast left-spiral. The machine turned over after landing. In his opinion the cause of the collision was the oilier machine diving and striking the tail of life plane In answer to Mr G. H. Nicholls, Blackmore said that he had had the usual experience in “dog fighting," but no training in manoeuvres. Before taking part in "dog fights” participants agreed on the tactics, which would depend on the class of machine used. Witness staled that he had participated in “dog fights" in his machine before this. It was not a “dog fight" but an arrangement for him to chase Waite. Witness’ machine was not unsuitable for this. In reply to another question, Blackmore stated that he did not have a parachute. He did not remember Waite asking him if he was game “to give it a go." Witness denied that deceased had asked him that question. The arrangements were made an hour before, and Waite, then with Mr Kingsley Smith, knew that he was going to participate. When he saw Waite diving at him deceased still had time to miss the Desoutter if he had pulled away but be kept straight on. “Instead of being the defending airman, Waite was the attacking airman. This was contrary to the arrangements.” At the time of the collision, Waite’s machine was travelling at about 120 miles per hour. Witness was travelling at about 60 miles per hour when he first sighted Waite’s machine.
In returning his verdict that deceased met his death as the result of the plane he was piloting crashing at an air pageant at Waihou and that the collision was accidental. The Coroner said the case was very regrettable. "Dog-fighting’’ should not be allowed in private clubs. “Military tactics should be left for Air Force pilots." added Mr Bay. "There Is no object to be gained in stunting. It is only pandering to the public, and the public’s taste in such matters should not be encouraged."
The Desoutter’s certificate of airworthiness was regained by the end of December enabling Stan Blackmore to offer flights over the busy holiday period. While Desoutter was performing well “Scotty” Fraser the parachutist was stunting at Waihi he received an unexpected ducking when the distance, was misjudged and instead of landing on the beach, he landed in .the sea about 50 yards from the beach. However, he experienced little difficulty in getting to shore.
On the 30th of March 1935 the Waikato Times reported, The value of aerial transport was again evidenced last week when Mr J. Cleary, having an appointment in Wellington engaged Mr S. J. Blackmore to fly him down. The appointment was on Thursday morning, but Mr Cleary did not have to leave until 7.20 on Thursday morning and he had completed his business in Wellington by mid-day the same day. Mr Blackmore, who flew his Desoutter three seater cabin monoplane down, also took ‘“Scotty" Fraser with him and on Saturday they attended the air pageant at Nelson, “Scotty" giving parachute dropping displays. Mr Blackmore and his passengers returned to Hamilton on Sunday afternoon.
In March 1935, in light of the passing
of the Transport Licensing (Commercial Aircraft Services) Act of 1934, Stan
Blackmore attended the hearing of the Transport Co-ordination Board in
Wellington to apply for an air taxi service from Hamilton for the Waikato
Aviation Co. Ltd. No decision was made at that time and the matter was deferred
until June. On the 4th the Auckland Star reported, Objection to an air
service for which application had been made by the Waikato Aviation Company,
Ltd., was raised at a sitting in Auckland this morning of. the Transport
Co-ordination Board. There was no appearance of the applicant. Mr. S. J.
Blackmore. Mr. Barrowclough said that he had received instructions from Union
Airways, Ltd., to oppose the application, but as the applicant was not present
to state what his proposals were, the position was complicated. Sir Stephen
Allen, chairman of the board, said that the applicant had given evidence in
Wellington and had sought a taxi service license on behalf of the Blackmore-Scott
company. The applicant had working capital of £100 and owned a Desoutter cabin
monoplane which had been engaged in commercial aviation since 1930. It had
been stated that it was the only machine in the Waikato which could convey
stretcher cases and it had been used considerably by the Waikato Hospital
Board. Mr. Barrowclough emphasised that the taxi service should not interfere
with the trunk services which had been licensed. It would be unfair if it were
allowed to entrench on the regular services. Sir Stephen Allen replied that the
application was for one small machine. He agreed that it should not take passengers
from the trunk services. Mr L Alderton, a member of the board motioned that it
was the hoard's policy to make taxi fares higher than the trunk service fares
in order to prevent interference. The board decided to reserve consideration of
the application.
The Transport Co-ordination Board had granted the Waikato Aviation Company Limited an air taxi licence of the 14th of June 1935. This was for a term of five years backdated to the 31st of October 31 1934 with services to be conducted with the aircraft currently used by the applicant. The licence Mr Blackmore's machine may used under the licence only for the carriage of passengers and goods on journeys to any part of the North Island, commencing from or terminating at the aerodrome at Hamilton. As the aviation industry became more regulated Stan Blackmore gained his instructors’ licence in early June 1935.
In early October 1935 new conditions for air-taxi licenses were decided upon by the Transport Co-ordination Board. The board decided to amend all the licenses granted for air-taxi services by adding to each the following condition as to fares: "Minimum fares—one passenger, £3 for each 100 miles; two passengers, £3 10s; three passengers, £3 15s; four passengers, £4; but where the flight takes place between two points served by the same regular licensed service, individual fares shall in no case be less than the fare charged by the licensed service, plus 10 per cent."
Meanwhile, two of Stan Blackmore’s flights were recorded in the Waikato Times in June 1935… In response to an urgent call, Dr. F. D. Pinfold, of Hamilton, was flown to Taranaki by Mr S. J. Blackmore in the Desoutter monoplane. On arrival at their destination it was found necessary to bring the patient, a woman, to Hamilton for treatment, and with her daughter, she was placed in the monoplane, which made the return journey of 110 miles to Te Rapa in an hour.
Mr S. J. Blackmore had a trip down to Nelson and back during the week. On Tuesday he flew up from Nelson to Wanganui with Mr G. Hyde, as passenger. After spending the night at Wanganui, Miss Joyce Manning, of Wanganui, joined the plane and the journey to Hamilton was resumed. There was a high wind blowing when the machine took off and the weather was unfavourable over the entire journey, but Mr Blackmore made excellent time and the two passengers had quite a comfortable trip.
The official opening of Hamilton’s
airport at Rukuhia occurred on the 19th of October 1935 the with 11 machines
of various designs on the aerodrome and with the large crowd inspecting them
the airport presented a busy scene including Stan Blackmore and his Desoutter.
In many ways this was his last hurrah in Hamilton for on the 26th of October
the Rotorua Moring Post recorded, Mr. S. J. Blackmore, formerly of
Hamilton, arrived in Rotorua yesterday in his Desoutter monoplane. He will take
up residence here.
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| The last Hamilton advertisement... Waikato Times, 19 October 1935 |
The following month he was advertising sightseeing by air in a 3-Seater cabin monoplane with flights over Rotorua and the Thermal regions including over Mount Tarawera’s craters. This move was to form the backbone of his operation for the next 15 years and also arguably was the first serious move into flightseeing in New Zealand. On the 16th of November the Rotorua Morning Post recorded that George Walker, the well. known wrestler, had made a sightseeing trip over the various lakes in Mr. S. J. Blackmore's monoplane the previous day. On the 2nd of January 1936 the Rotorua Morning Post reported, the unique aerial views to be obtained over the Rotorua district have been commented upon by many visitors who have availed themselves of the opportunity to make flights in Mr. S. J. Blackmore's Desoutter cabin monoplane during the past week. In this period the number of passengers carried by the plane on short sightseeing-trips has totalled in the vicinity of 300, while in addition the pilot has made a number of long distance flights.
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| The first Rotorua advertisement... Rotorua Morning Post, 12 November 1935 |
These long distance flights saw Stan and his Desoutter at various airports around the country. On the 28th of December 1935 he made a trip to Wanganui with a tourist who had been scalded by a geyser at Wairakei. On the 5th of January 1936 he flew a businessman to Palmerston North. On the 20th of that month a trip was made to Taumarunui in order to bring a woman to Rotorua for treatment at the Sanatorium. Mr. Blackmore made the outward flight in 40 minutes and returned in 48 minutes accompanied by the patient and her attendant. The condition of the patient made it unwise that she should attempt the long, tiring journey which would be necessitated by train and instead of the journey occupying several hours she was able to be transferred from her bed in her own home to a bed at the Sanatorium in less than an hour. Reclining comfortably in the plane she took great interest in the view from the cabin and on arrival expressed her pleasure at the experience.
Another air ambulance flight was made in March 1936 with Stan Blackmore receiving instructions to convey a passenger from Auckland to Gisborne. The passenger in question had undergone a severe operation in Auckland and desired to rejoin her relatives in Gisborne. The long journey by road would have proved too exhausting to her but by plane the trip was done in three minutes over two hours. Mr. Blackmore left Rotorua at 9.34 a.m. for Auckland and arrived there at 10.45 a.m. leaving at 11.28 again for Gisborne where the plane arrived at 1.31 p.m. On the return journey Mr. Blackmore left Gisborne at 4.06 p.m. and arrived back at the Rotorua aerodrome at 5.56. He will fly to Gisborne in six weeks time to take the patient back to Auckland for further treatment.
Stan Blackmore’s charters saw him fly the Desoutter ZK-ACJ to numerous destinations over the years including Ashburton, Auckland, Christchurch, Dannevirke, Gisborne, Hamilton, Kaikohe, Masterton, Palmerston North, Wellington and to New Zealand's farthest north aerodrome at Waipapakauri which is north of Kaitaia.
One of Stan Blackmore’s regular passengers was Rotorua’s mayor Thomas Jackson, who the Morning Post dubbed Our "Flying Mayor." He made several flights to Wellington in the Desoutter. As well he flew to Timaru and sometime later to Dunedin to attend the annual conference of the Municipal Association.
A more regal passenger was the Prince Consort and Prime Minister of Tonga, Prince Tugi, who made an aerial flight over the Rotorua lakes area on the 7th of October 1936. The plane proceeded as far as Waiotapu and flew low over the crater of Mount Tarawera and as flying conditions and visibility were good, the Tongan visitor had an excellent opportunity of viewing the wonderful panorama which a flight over Rotorua provides.
A different piece of flying had occurred in September 1936. On the 18th the Rotorua Morning Post reported, Captain Frank Hurley, the noted explorer, who is at present in Rotorua, is on an interesting mission. Captain Hurley has been commissioned by one of the large proprietary forestry companies with extensive holdings in the Rotorua district to take films showing sections of their plantations and scenes from forestry operations. Captain Hurley proposes to take a considerable section of the film from the air and for this purpose will be piloted by Mr. S. J. Blackmore in his Desoutter monoplane. A special stand for Captain Hurley's air camera has been fitted to the plane.
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| A 10 shilling flight with Waikato Aviation from 1937 |
In early December 1937 a large forest fire was burning Atiamuri Plantation with 150 men involved in bring the 300 acre fire under control and extinguish outbreaks. As part of this the NZ Herald reported Mr Owen Jones, forest administrator for the company at Rotorua, flew over the plantation in an aeroplane piloted by Mr. S. J. Blackmore, of Rotorua. He reported only one small outbreak, which was soon extinguished. Mr. Jones made another flight at 10 a.m. over the whole area, and could then find no sign of smoke anywhere, About 100 men remained on duty and were ready at a moment's notice to tackle any further outbreaks.
On the 11th of August 1938 considerable speculation was caused in Rotorua concerning the identity of a neat aeroplane with red fuselage and aluminium wings which was encircling the town for some time. The machine was a Sports Avian, similar to that which was flown across the Tasman by Mr. Guy Menzies, and that which was used by the late Sir Charles Kingsford Smith on his Australian solo flights. It has been purchased by Mr. S. J. Blackmore, of Rotorua, as a machine for instructional purposes. The machine is a comfortable type to fly, easily manoeuvred, and has a good turn of speed, cruising at 110 miles an hour. Mr. Blackmore intends taking up instructional work in addition to continuing tourist and special long distance flights. Avro Avian IVM ZK-ACM (c/n 499) was to become a familiar sight in Rotorua’s skies.
At the end of the month the Morning Post reported the introduction, for the first time, of facilities for flying instruction, has attracted considerable interest, and it is stated that already there has been a keen demand for particulars regarding the training course. Unfortunately the flying lessons were interrupted as the Avian was grounded from the 22nd of October for its annual overhaul. This took some four months!
On the 11th of March 1939 the Rotorua Morning Post carried an article which highlighted some of the challenges and procedures of early VFR charter operations… Some fears, which fortunately were groundless were caused in Rotorua early last evening when messages were broadcast from the national radio stations by the Civil Aviation Department seeking the whereabouts of the Desoutter monoplane piloted by Mr S. J. Blackmore, of Rotorua, who was reported to be missing on a flight from Blenheim to Rotorua, while conveying Mr T. Jackson, Mayor of Rotorua, and also the deputy-mayor, Mr L. Ewert, back to Rotorua from Dunedin where they had been attending the municipal conference. Actually, while the radio messages were being sent out Mr Blackmore was at Taupo, he having landed there for fuel and with the intention of remaining the night according to a decision reached when leaving Blenheim.
In a telephone communication with the "Post" last evening, Mr. Blackmore stated that he was entirely oblivious of any concern felt for the safety of himself and his passengers until, after arrival at Taupo he was informed of the radio broadcasts. The 'plane, he said, left Dunedin at 3.30p.m. Owing to a storm over Cook Strait, it was decided to remain at Blenheim until the storm passed off his route, while at the same time he requested Palmerston North to provide him with a weather report of the conditions in the centre of the North Island. This report being satisfactory, he left Blenheim about 4.30, and in accordance with usual custom, flew over Paekakariki to report his safe arrival across the strait. He then set a direct course for Taupo where he arrived late in the afternoon and, as had been planned, the party proceeded to an hotel to stay the night. It would appear that the reason for the action taken by the Civil Aviation authorities in broadcasting a description of the 'plane and asking for reports as to its whereabouts, was a misunderstanding on the part of the officials at Palmerston North that Mr. Blackmore, having previously asked for a weather report, intended calling at the Palmerston North aerodrome. This he never had any intention of doing, for after making the regulation report over Paekakariki, and knowing as an experienced pilot that the weather conditions were satisfactory, he set off on what proved to be an uneventful flight direct to Taupo.
Although he had originally contemplated reaching Rotorua last evening, the delay of an hour occasioned at Blenheim forced him to alter this decision before leaving Blenheim. As soon as he became aware of the broadcasts after reaching Taupo, he took steps to report the safe arrival of the 'plane, and this was subsequently announced over the national stations. The 'plane, with the pilot and its two passengers, is to complete the journey to Rotorua this morning.
On the 18th of February 1939 the Avro Avian, ZK-ACM, was cleared to fly again and on the 20th of June the Rotorua Morning Post reported in the brief space of a little more than five months during which his Avro-Avian training plane has been in commission, exceptional progress has been made by Mr S. J. Blackmore, of Rotorua, with the training of young pilots. Recently the first Rotorua pilot to complete the whole of his training as a member of the recently formed Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Aero Club, successfully passed the final tests necessary to qualify for an "A" license. He was Mr Basil Smith, younger son of Mr and Mrs R. Smith, of te Wairoa. Eight other pilots, however, are now doing solo flying, the final stage before the completion of their license tests while five others are nearing the solo stage and 21 more are receiving dual instruction prior to commencing solo work. So great has been the enthusiasm shown for flying that Mr Blackmore has been kept continuously employed giving instruction. As an example of the amount of flying time now being taken up at the Rotorua aerodrome, no less than four young pilots did their solo work in succession on Sunday, this possibly constituting a record for any flying instructor in New Zealand. The Avro-Avian machine, since it was purchased by Mr Blackmore at the beginning of September last year, has done 215 hours dual and solo flying time.
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| Waikato Aviation's Avro Avian ZK-ACM, presumably at Rotorua, on 13 December 1946 |
Waikato Aviation was able to keep flying aften the outbreak of the Second World War and he continued to offer flight training offering another pathway into the RNZAF. He was also able to continue some charter work. On the 13th of March 1940 the Rotorua Morning Post reported on Stan Blackmore’s war time charter activities…
At the outbreak of the present war, control of all aeroplanes used by aero clubs was taken over by the Government, on the assumption that these planes could be used in training pilots of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Consequently the very few independent aeroplane owners and operators in New Zealand now have long trips to all parts of the Dominion. One of the pilots most in demand is Mr S. J. Blackmore, who owns two machines kept at the Rotorua aerodrome. In recent months Mr Blackmore has made several urgent ambulance trips, including such long flights as from North Auckland to Nelson, and from Rotorua to New Plymouth, as well as a number of others. In addition his services have been in demand for long business trips, and he has been summoned from distant towns to transport businessmen long distances.
On Friday last Mr Blackmore undertook a
journey from Tauranga to Wellington with an elderly patient and completed the
trip without inconveniencing his passenger in any way. The passenger was Mrs
Penny, who will shortly be 91, and accompanying her was Mrs Watson Munro, her
daughter, also of Tauranga. Leaving early in the morning, the party arrived at
12.45, the journey occupying about four hours. In addition to undertaking
flights of this nature with his Desoutter cabin monoplane, Mr Blackmore is also
engaged in training a number of young pilots, prospective candidates for entry
into the Air Force, as well as others who aim at civil flying only. The roll of
those receiving instruction recently stood at slightly over 50, a higher figure
than at any other training centre in New Zealand at that time.
The Annual Report of the Air Department gives some indication of Waikato Aviation’s activities...
Year Ended No. of Trips Paying Passengers Hrs Flown Miles Flown
31.3.1938 819
1401 300 26,770
31.3.1939 1083
1714 363 32,320
31.3.1940 968
1715 262 23,805
On the 17th of June 1940 Piper J-3C-40 Cub ZK-AHC (c/n 2709), was registered to Waikato Aviation. It was later referred to in Blackmore’s advertising as a “Piper Cup Coupe” rather than a Piper Cub Coupe. Don Stafford, in his book “Flying the Thermal Skies” records that the Aero Club had purchased the Cub but an arrangement was made between the club and Stan Blackmore whereby the club financed the purchase while Blackmore operated the aircraft and continued the training programme. A system of payments to the club (based on hours flown and instruction given) was devised and ultimately they were reimbursed and Blackmore became the owner of ZK-AHC. The title was actually transferred to him in November 1946.
On the
25th of
July there was a similar article about his pilot training activities… Owing
to the fact that so many civil air training centres have been closed clown
during the war, the Rotorua aerodrome, where training operations are still
continuing, has become a centre for trainees from many districts outside
Rotorua as well as for the considerable number of prospective Rotorua pilots.
At the present time the instructor, Mr. S. J. Blackmore, has between 10 and 50
pupils undergoing tuition, the great majority with the intention of qualifying
for the Air Force. During the past fourteen days, eight pupil pilots have done
their first solo flying and 17, six of whom have completed the necessary flying
time are carrying out solo flying preparatory to being examined for their
"A" licenses. Last week, Wing Commander W. Grundy. R.N.Z.A.F.,
visited Rotorua for the purpose of testing prospective pilots but owing to bad
weather, was able to deal with only three candidates. All three of these
satisfied their examiner and will be issued with their "A" licences,
making nine licenses in all issued to trainees at Rotorua since operations were
commenced last year. Of the original pilots who secured their licenses last
year, Ihree have already been accepted for the Air Force, two are undergoing
military training, and the sixth was a lady.
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| Rotorua Morning Post, 12 March 1941 |
In August it was reported that two of Stan Blackmore’s pupils had been selected by Union Airways to undergo training for appointment as second pilots on the company's regular services.
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| Desoutter ZK-ACJ ; Photo : Whites Aviation |
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The last advertising before being shut down before the War... Rotorua Morning Post, 13 December 1941 |
Things changed after the Japanese entered the war. Civilian flying, with the exception of key scheduled air services, were forbidden from the 23rd of December 1941 in an effort to conserve fuel. Stan Blackmore was given an exemption for a few months as his pilot training was seen as essential to the war effort. Then from the 1st of August 1942 the RNZAF took over the Rotorua aerodrome at Whakarewarewa. Meanwhile Stan Blackmore’s aircraft were placed in storage till after the war.
Post-War, on the 2nd of October 1946,
the Rotorua Morning Post reported that two Rotorua planes were at present in Auckland
receiving mechanical overhaul for certificates of airworthiness and the third
was in preparation for dispatch. It is Mr. Blackmore's intention to resume
passenger and instructional flying at an early date. On the
26th of the same month it was reported that the flying service that was by
augurated by Mr. S. J. Blackmore at Rotorua some 12 years ago, and which
operated continuously until the entry of Japan into the war, will be resumed
today. Two of the three aircraft have thoroughly reconditioned by an Auckland
firm, and have received their air certificate of airworthiness from the Air
Department. These were flown Auckland to Rotorua yesterday afternoon, the third
machine is being flown to Auckland for reconditioning and Government survey.
One of the craft is a Desoutter three-seater passenger monoplane of British
manufacture. The other is a Piper two-passenger monoplane of American
manufacture, which is used principally for instruction and pupil solo flying.
Mr. Blackmore will continue his instructional and sightseeing flights over the
thermal districts an air charter and ambulance flights will resumed when the
Government licences these services. Mr. A. V. Hunter, a former R.A.F. and
R.N.Z.A.F. pilot, has joined the company as ground engineer and assistant pilot.
He is a highly qualified aircraft engineer, with pre-war experience in aircraft
factories in England, and maintenance in the Middle East. He was in Coastal
Command during the war, flying torpedo bombers and was shot down over Germany
in 1941, remaining a prisoner until Ihe end of hostilities. Mr. Blackmore's
company, Waikato Aviation Coy., Ltd., is the oldest established air service in
New Zealand, it having begun operations in 1929. For many years it was the
prime tourist attractions in Rotorua. On the occasion of the opening of the
hangar at the Rotorua the Prime Minister, Mr. Frasers in paying tribute to Mr
Blackmore, said that when the history of civil aviation in New Zealand was
written Mr Blackmore's name would figure conspicuously.
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| The Piper J3 Cub at Mangere on14 September 1947, three months after it left the Waikato Aviation fleet. Photo : Whites Aviation |
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| The Desoutter ZK-ACJ at Rotorua in November 1946. Photo : Whites Aviation |
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| Rotorua Morning Post, 7 November 1946 |
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Rotorua Morning Post, 14 November 1946 |
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| Stan Blackmore, May 1946. Photo : Whites Aviation |
A little later in the year another aircraft was added to the fleet - Waco UOC ZK-ALA (c/n 4336) had previously operated with the Marlborough Aero Club before and after the War. On the 26th of January 1947 some damage was sustained by the Waco following the collapse of portion of its undercarriage during a landing at Omaka Aerodrome. The Waco never re-entered service with the Aero Club and in May 1947 was sold to pilot Stan Blackmore. After initial repairs were completed it finally departed Omaka on the 19th of September 1947. It finally arrived in Rotorua on the 14th of November 1947. The following day the Rotorua Morning Post reported that as well as using it for passenger flights, Mr Blackmore will be using it as an air ambulance. The Waco is admirable for this purpose, as it has been fitted with a special type of stretcher.
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| Waikato Aviation's Waco ZK-ALA at Rotorua in February 1948. Photo : Whites Aviation |
With the arrival of the Waco the Desoutter went in for an upgrade. Don Stafford writes, Stan Blackmore and his engineer Vic Hunter decided to replace the ageing motor and make a few other alterations. The original Cirrus Hermes motor, with its exhaust sticking up like a chimney and its peculiar popping sound were very distinctive features. However, it had done its fair share of work. Vic flew the aircraft to Aircraft Service (NZ) Ltd (at Mangere) and the Cirrus Hermes motor was replaced with a Gipsy Major engine. The undercarriage was shortened and fitted with Tiger Moth wheels, a more streamlined cowling was added and later even the lines of the windscreen were altered. At the same the Desoutter was repainted in an all green colour scheme.
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| Blackmore Air Services' Desoutter ZK-ACJ in its all green colour scheme at Paraparaumu on 23 February 1948. Photo : Whites Aviation |
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| The Waikato Aviation Company's standard advert in the Rotorua Morning Post from the 30th of August 1947 to the 1st of March 1948 |
In the Autumn 1977 AHSNZ Journal J. W. Sullivan wrote, the author flew in ACJ at Rotorua shortly after this, in February 1949, but, to his everlasting regret, did not photograph it. It was not a comfortable aircraft to travel in, being very noisy and, if recollection serves, having no seat belts. It also gave the impression of being roughly finished, particularly inside, and was obviously feeling its age.
At the beginning of March 1948 the name, Waikato Aviation Company, disappeared the company becoming Blackmore’s Air Services from that point. The aircraft now started to carry Blackmore's Air Services titles and the Waco was named 'Aotea'. Sometime later the Desoutter was repainted silver with dark green company titles, cheat lines, registration, trim and struts.
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| The first Blackmore's Air Services advertisement which appeared in the Rotorua Morning Post most days from the 3rd of March 1948 |
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| Rotorua Morning Post, 25 June 1948 |
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| Blackmore’s Air Services’ hangar, Rotorua, 24 March 1949. Photo : Whites Aviation |
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| Branded as Blackmore Air Services' the Waco ZK-ALA and Desoutter ZK-ACJ at Rotorua on 24 March 1949. Photo : Whites Aviation |
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| Blackmore's Air Services' Waco ZK-ALA, Aotea. Photo I Grainger Collection |
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| Rotorua Morning Post, 11 March 1949 |
Another aircraft was purchased in July 1948 with the arrival of de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth ZK-AKN (c/n 82341). It was only in the fleet for a couple of years being sold in August 1950.
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| Blackmore's Air Service's De Havilland Tiger Moth ZK-AKN at Rotorua. Photo : M Bridle |
As tourist flying increased Blackmore Air Services purchased the Waikato Aero Club’s Percival Proctor 1, ZK-ALS (c/n K.318). It was registered to Blackmore’s Air Services on the 6th of December 1950. Also, about this time both the Waco and the Proctor were painted in a red, white and black colour scheme.
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| Blackmore Air Services' Waco ZK-ALA at Rotorua. Photo : M Bridle Collection |
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| Blackmore Air Service's Percival Proctor 1, ZK-ALS. Photo : S Lowe Collection |
Just two days later, the 8th of December 1950, was a sad day for the company and for the pioneering Desoutter ZK-ACJ. The Bay of Plenty Beacon reported, a Desoutter aeroplane crashed at Pekatahi on Wednesday afternoon and the pilot and one of the two passengers are in the Whakatane Hospital. They are:- Stanley J. Blackmore, of Rotorua, the pilot who received concussion and lacerations. Miss Jessie Cockburn, of Terraces Hotel, Taupo, scalp wounds. The other passenger, Lloyd Lindsay Cotton, of Dannevirke, was not injured. The plane was owned by Blackmore brothers, of Rotorua, and was flying from Opotiki to Rotorua. Over Pekatahi the motor cut out at 2,000 feet and the pilot attempted a forced landing. The plane struck a tree in a paddock and was completely wrecked. The wrecked machine was under police guard until the arrival of an Air Department official to inspect it. The plane crashed on Mr Neil Reid’s property. Mr Reid said the aircraft approached from Opotiki over the Waimana Hills. When it was over Taneatua the engine appeared to fail. As the Desoutter flew over his farm it was losing height. It crossed the railway line and swung the south out of sight over a hedge and immediately afterward a crash was heard. Mr Reid telephoned for assistance and several other men ran to the aircraft about 400 yards away. Sadly the accident led to the writing off of the Desoutter and it was cancelled from the register on the 7th of August 1951.
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| Blackmore Air Service's final advert - Rotorua Morning Post, 29 August 1951 |
Blackmore’s Air Services ceased operations on
the 31st of August 1951. A couple of days before the Rotorua Morning Post
reported, Pilot Mr Stan Blackmore, who is credited with carrying more
passengers than any other pilot in the country, will retire from active
commercial flying on Friday, when he will take his son and grandson for a
flight before handing over his company to James Aviation, Ltd., of Hamilton. Mr
Blackmore has been a pilot for 25 years and has had more than 10,000 hours of
flying. Before that, he was a racing cyclist.
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| Blackmore Air Service's Percival Proctor ZK-ALS over Rotorua on a scenic flight in May 1951. The northern end of the aerodrome can be seen above the racecourse of the right of the photo. Photo : Whites Aviation |
Coming to Rotorua in 1935, when the aerodrome was being formed under the B2 scheme for unemployed, Mr Blackmore said today that the site was a broom-infested heap, with a stream running through it from the golf course. It was to have been laid out as a 350 yards square 'drome but he prevailed on the authorities to take in the extra land towards the Wairoa Road and the whole site was regraded to its present size. Mr Blackmore was also instrumental in having the telephone wires in Whaka Road cabled and other improvements were made, either through his personal effort or on his recommendation. The first plane he flew here was a Desoutter and since then he has had five machines. At present, he has in use a Waco and a Proctor. Mr Blackmore has carried out many mercy-missions, frequently landing on a short stretch of beach or on a bumpy paddock. Many of his pupils had excellent war-time records. He said today that he intended to keep his flying licence for use "when the mood takes me.”
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| The new owners... Rotorua Morning Post, 4 September 1951 |
The pioneering flightseeing work that Stan Blackmore started continued and continues to this day through the succession of commerical flightseeing operators that followed including, James Aviation, Geyserland Airways, Floatplane Air Services, Volcanic Wunderflites, White Island Airways and Volcanic Air, and indeed the other flightseeing operations that followed around the country.
As a final postscript, AI colourisation of the Desoutter ZK-ACJ in its five colour schemes...
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