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 |
With ZK-ACJ out of the air Stan Blackmore used Desoutter ZK-AVX to fly the film “Hell’s Angels” from Wellington to Hamilton on the 20th of February 1931. With Mr R. Tombs as passenger the journey down took 3 hours 10 minutes, and from Foxton to Wellington the fliers could hardly see their way owing to fog. The return journey was done in four hours.
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.
 |
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
|
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
The post-War fleet was, Desoutter ZK-ACJ, Avro Avian ZK-ACM and Piper Cub ZK-AHC. The Piper J-3C-40 Cub ZK-AHC departed the fleet in June 1947 being sold to F R Ferris of Auckland.
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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.
 |
| 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 |
A nice human interest story appeared in the Hawera Star on the 7th of July 1948... Few New Zealand aviators spend more time in the air than three-year-old Ross Blackmore, of Rotorua. Probably none makes more flights in a week than he does. This child’s daily flying is about five or six hours, with a weekly average of 40 hours. He is disappointed if he has only six flights in a day. On busy days he has as many as thirty. By the end of the year Ross’ flying will total hundreds of hours and he will have flown many thousands of miles. Reason for Ross spending so much time in aeroplanes is that he is the son of a well-known professional aviator, Mr. Stan Blackmore of Rotorua. Mr. Blackmore is one of New Zealand’s best-known and most experienced civilian pilots. He has two aeroplanes operating from the Rotorua aerodrome, a Desoutter and a Waco. He seldom takes off without his son. When he cannot go the boy is upset. Then he plays around the hangar, watching the sky constantly and always listening for the sound of the plane’s motor. When Mr. Blackmore 's assistant pilot, Mr. V. Hunter, flies, Ross joins him, too. He never misses an opportunity.
After flying, aerial photography is Ross’ interest. The father is an expert aerial photographer and the boy is anxious to become both cameraman and a pilot. Striking pictures of Ngauruhoe in eruption Were taken by Mr. Blackmore. As the veteran flyer took shots out the cabin window, Ross held his box camera against the glass and took photographs too. Ross takes his camera with him everywhere. He can work the simple mechanism and when a film is inserted for him he can wind it, line his subject in the view-finder and take a picture. Ross’ day is a busy one. He gets up with his father before daylight, for the Blackmores have a little farm outside Rotorua and there are cows to be milked. He would be annoyed if his father did not take him to the sheds.
Hard frosts do not deter the boy. He puts on his old working coat, his beret, his gloves and his little gumboots and rushes out into the darkness. After the milking he comes in for a hearty breakfast. No time must be lost, for there may be passengers waiting at the aerodrome. Warwick Blackmore, aged 19, goes with them. He is equally keen on flying. He works at the aerodrome, helping to service his father ’s aircraft. He holds his A licence and has his eye on a B licence. Mr. Blackmore’s daughter, Ann, had her first flight when she was 14 days old - possibly a record for the Dominion. She travelled in the arms of her nurse. Mrs. Blackmore, of course, has made hundreds of flights with her husband. When the car arrives at the aerodrome the Desoutter and the Waco are wheeled out, refuelled and the motors started. Ross is well trained and never goes near the machines while the airscrews are turning. When possible passengers arrive he is alert, and the moment he sees they are booking in for a flight he is at his father's side waiting to go with him. If there is no vacant seat he sits on a passenger's knee. As the plane flew out across the broad expanse of Lake Taupo Ross showed the same lack of concern as he did when it climbed to 12,000 feet to clear the peaks. One thing upset him. He felt the intense cold and had to be wrapped up in coats. ‘‘Want to go home, Ross?” his father baited him. ‘‘No, no,' cried the youngster. The roar of the motor almost drowned his voice, but he shook his head vigorously until he was satisfied that the plane was going to circle the mountains again. Whether it is over the jagged chasms of Mount Tarawera, the Blue and Green Lakes, down over Taupo to the mountains, or over the Urewera country to Waikaremoana, Ross is nearly always with his father. Some day he may fly in supersonic jet planes.
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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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