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This was the period which coincided with introduction of larger turbine-powered helicopters. Now the operators are taking another economic, as well as technological, step forward by installing all-weather navigation systems to overcome the problem of flight cancellations due to low ceilings. Such cancellations have been a major stumbling block to profitable operation. But instrument flight systems now coming into use will cut these cancellations by 95 per cent.

Developments such as these, along with more efficient engines and aircraft in store in the years immediately ahead, demonstrate the soundness of the Board's original proposal to the three carriers that subsidy be gradually diminished and terminated completely within five years.

[[strikethrough]]I said at the outset that[[/strikethrough]] your decision on the five year plan of phasing out subsidy will involve something much more important than the fate of three helicopter carriers. It will determine, for many years to come, the helicopter's future as a tool of urban transport. And I don't mean helicopter service confined to the metropolitan areas of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. I mean helicopter service in many major metropolitan areas.

Other areas are already seeking such service. Applications actually on file now with the CAB or which have been filed earlier point the way to eventual helicopter service in such metropolitan centers as Boston, Providence, Albany, Hartford-Springfield-New Haven, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Miami, Washington-Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Kansas City, Cincinnati, San Deigo, Seattle-Portland, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Atlanta, Tulsa-Oklahoma City, Denver, Salt Lake City and Orlando-Cape Kennedy.