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The American Society for the Promotion of Aviation

by Thomas J. Hill
President

WITH a background of three years of voluntary work in the cause of promoting aviation in the America, the American Society for the Promotion of Aviation, or the "ASPA" as it is now familiarly known, faces 1928 with a drive for 1,000,000 members, and " a landing field or airport in every town."
"MAKE AMERICA SUPREME IN THE AIR" has been the watchword since our organization in 1925, and we have every hope that by the end of 1928, through the formation of flying clubs in every community, which work we are now actively fostering, we will be able to truthfully say that America is second to none in the air.

Some may ask "Who are the "ASPA's"? For the benefit of the uninformed, I will briefly outline the development of the Society. In 1917, several hundred American cadets were sent to Canada to join the Royal Flying Corps. For "training and discipline" the orders read. At that time there were hundreds of other American boys who had joined the Canadian service. The friendships formed in the old R. F. C. days were carried on after the war and from this group was organized the nucleus of the ASPA.

The actual formation of the Society took place at the Army and Navy Club, New York City, in 1925. Letters were sent to old war fliers scattered about the country telling of the Society and asking them to join in the work. These letters met with a splendid response and new members began to pour in. As fast as new members were secured they were urged to work for a landing field in their community and to associate with any movement that would seek to make the community "air minded". Many of our members have associated with local troops of the Boy Scouts, giving their time as aviation advisers. Many of our members have appeared before local school assemblies and local social and fraternal meetings, speaking upon the subject of aviation. Model airplane contests have been sponsored, and members of one group sponsored by the ASPA have gone to the extent of building a glider, in which one of the club members has made a great many successful flights. 

Activities of the A.S.P.A. should be closely followed by everyone interested in aviation. The club plan of plane ownership and flying instruction should make (and is making) aviation available to the many rather than the few--and at a cost within the reach of everyone.

It may be opportune to remark at this time that the work of promoting an airfield in every community, which, by virtue of Colonel Lindbergh's flight is now engaging the attention of the country, is primarily the effort of the APSA, and for which we unblushingly ask credit.

With the effort for a landing field in every town under way, another great field of work presents itself. Airfields are but grass plots unless flying activity is possible. None but the most confirmed optimist expects to see a paying airline working out of every community within the next few years. But there is a tremendous latent aviation strength that cannot be disregarded. This is the strength represented by thousands of Americans who are eager to learn to fly--not so much as a business proposition--but to take up flying as a sport. To promote flying as a sport and to organize a flying club in every community will be the effort of the ASPA in the coming year. Over forty clubs have already been organized and in many instances, practically enough money to buy a training plane and secure a competent instructor has been secured through initiation fees, dues and contributions.

The interested reader will ask, "How will it be possible for me to organize a group in my community? How can we get a plane and secure instruction?" Very simple, if you are really interested in learning to fly and are willing to put some effort into this work.

First, become a member of the ASPA. The membership fee is one dollar. This fee covers the cost of the silver wings of the Society, membership card and literature of the organization.

Then, under the direction of the ASPA, gather all in your community who are eager for air training and form your own aero club. Elect your officers and draw up your constitution and by-laws. The average club sponsored by the ASPA has a membership imitation fee of five dollars and monthly dues of one dollar. When forming your club seek the cooperation of the local newspapers and they will make public your effort. The publicity given the work will serve to attract many others in your community who are eager for an opportunity to associate with such a movement. The Asotira Flying Club, started by then members two months ago, has already reached a membership of one hundred and now has a plane in operation.

Third, when the club has been organized and the work given proper publicity, call upon the leading citizens of your community and ask them to support the work with contributions, as they would support the upkeep of a local ball club. Let us assume that a club through the methods outlined had secured $5,000. With this they could secure a very good plane for about $2,500 and if they have the service of a competent airman they can secure a second hand plane for considerably less. With the surplus money they can secure the services of a licensed instructor, such as is being turned out by many of the flying schools or Army and Navy training schools. This instructor may be hired on a salary basis with a provision that he may participate in the profits of what can be derived from passenger carrying. This plan carried out will bring aviation into every community and solve the problem of air training for thousands of eager aviation enthusiasts who are now confronted with the problem of paying thousands of dollars and going to distant points to learn to fly.

To stimulate interest and establish the esprit de corps so necessary in a going organization, the ASPA has

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