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Government Air Heads View First Fifty Years

CAB Chairman, Civil Aeronautics Administrator Look Back on Half Century of Aviation Progress

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Oswald Ryan, Chairman CAB:

The development and application of a technology which would make airborne a world which had been surface-borne since the beginning of creation was a gigantic undertaking, and the progress thus far made toward its accomplishment in the short span of a quarter of a century is one of the great achievements of modern history. The credit for this achievement belongs to many people, but no group deserves a greater share of that credit than the pilots. When we remember the crude flight equipment, the lack of airway aids, the non-existence of control towers, the absence of weather information, and a host of other obstacles, it is indeed an amazing tribute to the character, ability and courage of our scheduled airline pilots that they were able to overcome the almost insurmountable difficulties that confronted them. 

The Golden Anniversary of Flight brings to memory some of those pioneer pilots who contributed so much toward providing the United States with the safest and most reliable air transportation system in the world. There was Edward V. Garner, who made the first official pathfinding flights in September 1918, between New York and Chicago in preparation for the eventual opening of the first leg of the transcontinental air mail service. He established a record of one day's flight between Chicago and New York. And all of us remember the late Jack Knight and his famous night mail flight on February 22, 1921, which, by convincing a skeptical Congress, made possible an appropriation to continue the development of both day and night scheduled flying. 

In February 1923, the pilots of the air mail service made possible the earning of the Collier Trophy which was awarded for the year's greatest achievement in aviation. Three other air mail pilots of that era were awarded the Harmon Trophy, bestowed annually as a recognition for accomplishments in aviation. These three pioneer pilots were Shirley Short for 1926 award; Charles A. Lindbergh, the 1927 honor; and Carl Ben Eielson received the award in 1928. There were many more pilots, some still flying the airways, who likewise distinguished themselves and their profession to the betterment of the air transport industry. 

In April 1931, the Air Line Pilots Association was organized, marking the beginning of an orderly and cohesive effort to bring together the men whose lives were so closely associated with the destiny of scheduled air transportation. The industry was on the threshold of a new era. Aircraft were increasing in size, weight, complexity and performance. The single-seat, open-cockpit biplanes were being replaced by all-metal cabin monoplanes and multi-engine types were on the drawing boards. Passenger volume was slowly increasing.

The Federal Airways had been established, radio aids to navigation were installed, and instrument flying replaced the old visual method of following landmarks. Now, more than ever before, the success or failure of air transport depended upon the skill and integrity of the man behind the machine—the pilot. 
  
It is to the lasting credit of these men that they mastered the techniques and complexities of modern scheduled air navigation and maintained the highest standards demanded in the pursuit of their profession. They are to be congratulated for carrying on through the years the vision, tenacity, and devotion that have resulted in an American air transport industry which today leads the world.

F. B. Lee, CAA Administrator:
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Throughout the 50-year history of aviation, the pilot has been the man who has applied the ultimate acid test to the dreams and theories of others.
  
Today's great aviation industry is founded on the courage of men who dared risk their lives to try each new aircraft and gadget as it emerged from drafting-room and factory. The roll of pilots who gave their lives for aviation is long and heartbreaking.
  
The tradition that safety is paramount in aviation has been ably carried forward by the airline transport pilots of this generation. The final responsibility for safe air carrier operation rests with the airline pilot, and the record clearly shows that the airline pilots of America have written a safety record unequaled elsewhere.
  
One most encouraging development has been the growing cooperation between airline pilots and the safety agents and airway operations specialists of the Civil Aeronautics Administration. A happy example of this is the fact that in many locations ALPA councils have invited CAA agents to sit as observers in their meetings.
  
In recent years the transport pilots, individually and through their association, have made direct and valuable contributions to safety through advice and assistance in fields which extend beyond the operation of aircraft. Examples of such contributions include aid in improving cockpit arrangements, approach light standards, emergency equipment, and air traffic control.
  
I have always been impressed by the professional integrity and competence of the airline pilots. All of us in CAA owe you a debt for your assistance in our mutual job of making and keeping aviation a safe and reliable form of transportation.

December, 1953       Page 3