A Friendship Trip with N-A-C

Before this issue is published, N. A. C. will be using the new Fokker Friendship aircraft on scheduled flights to and from Nelson. The aircraft has been in operation in New Zealand since December last year, but it did not visit Nelson until last month when the "flag" was shown and three courtesy flights were made. The Friendship fleet will ultimately take over from the faithful DC3s, which have acquired a tremendous reputation in New Zealand and overseas for their safe flying records. The 26 DC3s operated in New Zealand by N. A. C. , although clocking up something like an average of 20,000 hours' flying each, are youngsters compared with some overseas aircraft of the same type. Since they first began work with the N. A. C. in 1947, they have achieved the remarkable record of never having once had a fatal crash through engine failure. And now, after the Rapides, Lodestars, Dominies, Electras and D C 3s, the Friendship takes over. Jet-assisted engines, pressurised cabins and the wonderful views provided through the large oval windows, make flying the Friendship way a real treat.