3 MARCH 1939, Page 22

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]

SIR,—I fear Mr. Tangye is misinformed about the reliability of the B.M.W.-Hornet engines. These engines are used on one of the most successful and perhaps the most reliable of commercial aeroplanes—the famous Ju 52. Engine-trouble on these 'planes is hardly ever heard of, and I believe these engines run as long between overhauls as any engine in use today. On thousand hours is the figure I have heard men- tioned. The Juno Diesel engines are overhauled after 200-300

hours' service.—Yours faithfully, HUGH LEDWARD. Greendells, West Road, Coombe Lane, Kingston-on-Thames.