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STATEMENT OF DAVID L. BEHNCKE, PRESIDENT OF THE AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION, PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT'S AIR POLICY COMMISSION.

As the representative of the air line pilots, I feel it a privilege and an honor to appear before this Presidential Commission to give you the views of the air line pilots on some of the questions to which you are seeking the answers.  I will not go into great detail in my introductory remarks.  I shall try to give you the viewpoints of the men who fly on the air lines on the highlight questions facing our country's aviation.

- I have read the statement of Thomas K. Finletter, Chairman of this Commission, dated September 15, 1947, in which the following appears:

"The task assigned to this Commission is to take stock of where we stand in aviation and to make such recommendations as (I quote from the President's letter establishing the Commission) '.... will serve as a guide for formulating a carefully considered national air policy.' Among the questions that the Commission will have to answer are these - 

1.  Page 2
"What is the nature of the possible threats to the peace and welfare of this country - both now and during the next few years?

2.  Pages 2-6
"In the light of known and potential dangers what is the kind of air establishment - military and civilian - that we should have now - two years from now - five years from now?

3.  Pages 6-19
"What are the particular problems affecting the development of air transport,  at home and abroad, and the maintenance of a healthy aircraft industry,  and how can they be solved?"

4. Pages 20-21
"What are the policies of government which will pro-mote and obtain in peace and in war the kind of an air establishment that we need - military force, aircraft industry, air. transportation?

INDEX OF ADDITIONAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Page 21, Air Line Pilots in Time of War; pages 21-29, Air Line Pilots: Retirement; Page 29, Air Line Pilots: Federal Law; Page 30, Air Line Pilots: Flying Hours; Pages 30-32, Summation.