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2 NATIONAL AVIATION GOALS-PROJECT HORIZON

ondary and immediate problems. Ends must be kept clearly separated from means, and long-term problems from short-term answers. If goals are right and seemly for the Nation, then the true interests of individual segments of the aviation community will fall into their proper perspective. 
Anyone who proposes to look 10 years into the future can do so with neither certainty nor accuracy. We look ahead today on the basis of what we know, without benefit of what we will learn tomorrow. Action tends to lag behind understanding and understanding is hard pressed to keep pace with reality. Yet, somehow, the cycle must be shortened, for the decisions made today cut the patterns we will follow a decade hence - with long leadtimes an inherent part of technology. Completely accurate predictions are less important than soundly conceived plans, based on reasonable, and stated premises. These can assist greatly in achieving the promise which aviation's potential holds for the future. 
The task is complicated by the fact that the secrets of Nature know no ideology. Science and technology are not monopolies of the culture we of the West seek to preserve. Their benefits are also available to those on the other side of the Iron Curtain, and this fact must inevitable color our national goals. Progress becomes, then, not merely a prelude to national prestige and prosperity but fundamental to national survival. 
In presenting its assessment of national aviation goals, the task force is quite aware that aviation cannot solve all the problems of the Nation. But we also feel quite deeply that aviation can contribute uniquely to long-term solutions of many of them. Foremost among these are: 
National economic growth. 
National security. 
National culture and a more closely knitted social fabric. 
International understanding through increased person-to-person contact.
International trade and commerce, with emphasis on contributions to the economic stability of the emerging economies.