Islands Get A New

Charter Air Service

Flying into Rabaul late in

January, the Crowley Airways

sleekly streamlined Piper Aztec

was obviously on a market-testing

flight.

UNUSED to charter service Rabaul businessmen and Administration officials showed quick enthusiasm for the newcomer which had already per formed an epic three-hop flight from the USA to Crowley’s base in Lae.

A twin-engined monoplane, the Aztec cost Crowley’s £32,000. For a small craft it possesses some get-up and-go, its twin 250-hp 6-cylinder Lycomings giving it a top speed of 205 mph and a cruising speed of 180 mph with a flight range of 1,100 miles.

Five passengers plus pilot can be carried comfortably in upholstered bucket seats—or 1,400 lb freight can be stowed in place of the passenger seats.

In March the aircraft was operat ing on charter ex-Rabaul three days per week, and Captain Laurie Crow ley believes the Aztec will become fully employed from this centre.

Laying down of airstrips at several outlying stations is in the planning stages and these will enable Crowley to extend services over an even wider area.

The Aztec has a liking for short strips, can take off with graceful ease in a mere 300 feet. Its range would allow it to fly Rabaul-Lae- Rabaul non-stop if necessary.

When it can be spared from charter service the newest member of Crow ley’s airfleet will be used to lift coffee from the Crowley plantation at Karanka in the Eastern Highlands.

Beaming Captain Crowley steps from the cockpit after bringing the Piper Aztec on its first flight to Rabaul. See story in column two.