Viewing page 253 of 507

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

244             HELICOPTER AIR SERVICE PROGRAM

Senator MONRONEY. They want the service and can't get it. Do you have anything else to add?
Mr. RUBY. I would like to clear up one point with respect to the use the Decca, which is the navigation system that was spoken of some time ago, and the question as to whether or not the FAA had concerned themselves with this type of navigation.
In helicopter operation, generally, they are operating at a relatively low level. By this, I am talking about 1,500 feet, or below.
The V.O.R. system, which is a line of sight system, means that the ability o navigate on V.O.R. very far away from the transmitting station means it is impossible. 
The Decca system is not a line of sight system, so, therefore, for low-level operations for any distance at all away from the transmitting station, this turns out to be the only way you can do it as of this time. 
There may be subsequent systems developed that are equally as good or better, but at this point, the Decca system has a very distinct advantage that it can be used with a considerable degree of accuracy without depending on line of sight limitations. 
I hope that may clear up the reason for the use of the Decca versus the V.O.R.
Senator MONRONEY. I am glad to have that, indeed, Mr. Ruby. Am I am glad to have Mr. Cater's testimony regarding the safety and security on the high-level problems associated with high-level flight from tall buildings.
It is gratifying to know you feel it is completely safe now, and give us the assurance of various pilots who have flown this mission, with the recognition that it presents no problem.
I am very glad to know that you are completely satisfied with the testing operations that have been so thoroughly gone into.
Thank you very much, Mr. Ruby, for coming before this committee and giving us the benefit of your advice.
Mr. RUBY. Thank you very much. You may rest assured that we will be willing to provide this committee with anything that we are capable of providing, now, or in the future. Thank you.
Senator MONRONEY. We appreciate it. We feel this opens up another new avenue to aviation that will be of greater service to people in crowded centers, and it might open up a complete new industry on community services to the larger cities.
Mr. RUBY. I would amen that.
Senator MONRONEY. Our next witness is a man who has written a long and distinguished record in aviation of many kinds, Mr. Grover Loening, who was very active throughout the construction of many, many types of aircraft, and following his long service in that construction field in 1938 retired and has since followed the profession of a consulting engineer. He was appointed by Joseph P. Kennedy the father of the President, as Aircraft Advisor to the Maritime Commission and drafted a report to Congress, "Aircraft and the Merchant Marine," which was used as a guideline for the future of trans-Atlantic flying.
You might consider it was his original research work and his report that has a great deal to do with the conquering of the oceans which so long appeared to be a barrier to air transport work.
During World War II, he became consultant on aircraft for the War Production Board.