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passenger attractiveness will, within a reasonable period of time, dramatically decrease subsidy requirements.  It more than justifies certification of helicopter services in the nation's capital.


Selection of NYA will sharply reduce overhead costs.  By permitting NYA to utilize its equipment, facilities and personnel more efficiently, it will create a more economical helicopter unit.  NYA can operate with lower cost in both New York and Washington-Baltimore.  Selection of any of the non-certificated applicants would not only prolong the uneconomically small operation in New York; it would create a similar problem in Washington.  Since the central public convenience and necessity issue is subsidy, the selection of carrier requires unusually careful consideration of relative subsidy requirements. 


Selection of NYA also eliminated the service gamble inherent in certification of any other applicant.  NYA will bring a going organization with proven ability to the area.  It is not only more experienced - it is many times more experienced.  The Board will be assured of a high quality service by an experienced management. While some of the other applicants may, at least over a period of time, develop into  well-managed companies, this is, at best, conjectural.  A gamble with the public interest is particularly unwarranted in the Nation's Capital at a time when limited helicopter subsidy is available. 


The public interest in selecting the right applicant is keyed to these fundamental subsidy and service considerations.  Certainly, they far outweigh the hazy public interest advantages attributable to "local ownership".  Certainly, in the jet age with even local service carriers operating within vast areas, there is no reasonable doubt that NYA could effectively manage helicopter service within two relatively close metropolitan areas presenting comparable operating, sales and traffic problems.  The public will be better served with lower subsidy if NYA is chosen.