Miles Gemini

ZK-ANT

MOTAT's Miles Gemini was purchased directly from Miles Aircraft Ltd by the Wellington Aero Club in 1947. It was used for ambulance and charter work, as well as club flying. Five Geminis were brought to New Zealand and this is one of two surviving examples.

Aero clubs played a large part in their communities in the early part of the 20^th Century, especially in the smaller towns of New Zealand. The arrival of Charles Kingsford-Smith who had flown across the Tasman in the ‘Southern Cross’ in 1928 inspired many New Zealanders to fly. People also joined the clubs to watch flying and to take part in social activities.

MOTAT’s Miles Gemini at the Wellington Aero Club.

Leo White Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library.

Aero clubs played an important role in making New Zealand a very ‘air-minded’ nation.

The aero clubs would hold regular air pageants, which were hugely popular. The public could take joy rides, and other spectacles included ‘balloon bursting’ where pilots tried to burst hydrogen balloons with their propellers.  Sky writing, formation flying, aerobatics, aerial dog fights and ‘crazy flying’ also featured.

Aero clubs also operated air ambulances, and assisted in emergencies such as the Napier Earthquake. Prior to World War II (1939-45) the Aero Clubs were used to train pilots for the war, for which they received Government subsidies.

Specifications:

Date: 1947

Manufacturer: Miles Aircraft Ltd, Reading, England

Type: Twin-engined four-seat cabin monoplane

Wing span: 11.02 m

Length: 6.78 m

Accommodation: Pilot and 4 passengers

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