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September 15, 1924
Aviation
1001

A Suggested National Air Policy

That a National Aviation Policy is needed by the United States is obvious. To get such a policy in concrete form AVIATION requested several thoughtful friends of aeronautical progress to make suggestive and constructive recommendations. Some of them are given below and will be printed each week with additions, omissions and such other changes as appear to be helpful toward the formulation of a sound national air policy. Readers of AVIATION and others can render no greater service to the cause of aeronautical progress than contributing their comments and suggestions. 

GOVERNMENTAL.

A continuing program of aircraft development both governmental and commercial. 
A civilian, charged with championing a national air policy, is needed in the Government. *Cabinet
Aircraft committees in the House and Senate to hold aircraft hearings where civilians as well as government officials can express their opinions. *composed of fliers
A detailed aircraft budget for all Governmental Departments, and an annual statement of all expenditures.
An experienced staff of flying officers at the head of all governmental air defense services. 
Coordination of all procurement and experimental aircraft work of the government under one agency.
*Co-ordination of the aircraft experimental development of the government leaving procurement to the various branches themselves.
Limitation of government manufacture to repair of aircraft and specialized work that cannot be done by private firms.  *No limitation on experimental construction.
The elimination of the duplication of aerial functions and facilities by government departments.
A country wide Air Mail system of trunk lines connecting the principal cities of the country.  *Retirement law for air mail pilots.
Establishment of a National Airway System through cooperation of the Federal Government with States and Cities.  *A landing field in every large city.
A national aircraft law that will regulate aviation, administered by practical pilots and experienced aeronautical engineers.  *and federal air police.
Membership of the United States in the International Convention for Air Navigation. 
*Increased governmental appropriations for aerial development.
*Encouragement of aviation rather than subsidy.

COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT OPERATION.

Creation of commercial air lines by private enterprise or government subsidy.
Encouragement of participation by private companies in aircraft races and competitions.
Encouragement of the training of pilots by civilian schools.
Creating an Esprit de Corps among flying men all over the country by frequent gatherings at aviation meets.
*Encouragement of safe and sane flying.

INDUSTRIAL AIRCRAFT CONSTRUCTION.

Recognition that a sound aeronautical industry is a prime necessity of our National Defense.
An active industrial association that will coordinate the aircraft industry and defend it from attack.
Encouragement of the designing of new types of aircraft by manufacturers by allowing them to retain their proprietory [[proprietary]] rights.
Concentration of manufacturing firms on specialized types of army and navy aircraft.  *When production demands are heavy. 
Encouragement of research by constructors, universities and other agencies as well as by the government.
Encouragement of an annual design competition for commercial aircraft.

CIVILIAN.

A national aeronautical organization composed of public spirited citizens that will take a strong position of leadership on national aeronautical policy.  *Unification of all aeronautical organizations into one national association with chapters in all cities and towns.
An Annual Aviation Week during which the country will think of aerial progress.  *52 such weeks. 
The formation of local aero clubs by fliers for the purpose of stimulating flying in all localities.
Encouraging the public to fly and patronize the air mail and transport facilities. 

*Suggested changes.