Crimson Men Take to Air on Skis; Used Norwood Airport Last Season as a Base for Operations

Snow-planning has become a popular winter sport at the leading New England airports. Started in Maine, where it was a necessity for air commerce during the winter months, the new method of flying first caught the public fancy by the success Admiral Byrd had with it on his Antarctic expedition.

Similar to Pontoons

Heavy ash skis, made under the supervision of the Department of Commerce, may be procured to fit any type of airplane. The wheels are removed, and the skis are equipped to fit right on the axle. On soft snow, the effect is just the same as that given by the pontoons in a seaplane.

Early Accidents

Early experimentation in snow-planing for commercial purposes brought out many difficulties. For the first few trials there was an almost perfect record of minor accidents, entailing broken skis, bent propellers, and damage to the wings. A few planes actually turned over in trying to take off.

Improvements in Design

All this was caused by the fact that the skis would dig themselves farther and farther into the ground when the plane was in horizontal position, as on the take-off. Soon it was found that a cord attached to the wing struts raising the front of the ski removed the danger of burying. A stop cable also was fastened on to the rear of the ski leading to the main plane bracing. These two improvements kept the ski in correct position for maneuvering on the ground or for the take-off.

Stops in 200 Feet

For an experienced pilot this snow-planing is no more difficult than flying with wheels. Safe landings can be made on any space of open ground, and if the space is limited, a plane may be mushed in to a complete stop in 200 feet.

Last year several air-minded Harvardians availed themselves of the opportunity to pursue this sport at an airport in Norwood. There was enough call for time to make it worth while to keep one ship equipped with skis throughout the winter. The one used was a Taylor Cub powered by a 40 horsepower Aeromarine engine.

Byrd Ups the Bid

Considering the fact that snow-planing costs no more than regular flying, the sport is certainly not over-expensive. An approved pair of airplane skis can be obtained for as little as $180. Admiral Byrd paid upwards of $1100 for a pair on his giant tri-motored ship.