Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-09-10
LAS CRUCES MAY
Be AIR STATION
SPATZ ADVISES
Proposal Is to Make 1t a
Stopping Place on the Ell
PaSo to Cheyenne Route,
c. of c. Is Told.
Especial Correspondence to The Journal,

Especial Correspondence TO The Journal
Las Cruces, N. NJ, Sept. 9.--Mat.
Carl Spatz of the Eighth corps
area, stationed at Fort Sam Hous-
ton, Tex, says in an official COM
munication to the Chamber of
Commerce that Las Cruces appears
as an intermediate station on the
air route from Ell Paso to Chey-
enne, Wyo.
intermediate stations" he adds,
"are those cities that are on air.
ways at approximately twenty-five
miles intervals. These intermedi-
ate stations should have a munici-
pal landing field and markers"
Major Spatz says the purpose of
his letter is to aid the develop
ment Of aviation and national air.
ways and to be of every possible
assistance to Las Cruces in placing
it on the first airway map OF the
United States, adding:
Under the provisions of a spe-
cial report from the national ad-
Visory committee for aeronautics,
which has the approval of the pres
ident, the chief of air service is
charged with prompt establish
ment Of national continental air
ways, and, in cooperation with
states and municipalities, with the
establishment of local airdromes,
laGding fields and other necessary
facilities
Twenty Routes Chartcd.
I'm furtherance of this project,
twenty proposed routes have been
charted, covering the most impor-
tant usually travelled routes in this
corps area, which comprise five
states: Arizona, New Mexico, Col
orado, Oklahoma and Texas.
THE Importance of these air.
ways is beyond argument and their
establishment may be said to be
the fundamental consideration in
the development of aeronautics as
a national asset, both for war and
peace. The plan for their organi-
cation and development as out
lined by the chief of air service is
comprehensive, and their ultimate
development will continue, over a
long period Of time.
I'm the ultimate development Of
this project every city and town
of importance will have its land
ing field, with meteorological and
radio stations and other facilities
necessary for the successful flights
OF uircraft across the country for
commercial and general purposes
Il L.. 81. 10
time before the routes can be fin
ished. The first step is the es,ab-
lishment of municipal landing
field in each city and town that lies
in the path of the airways."
Requirements of the Service.
Outlining the requirements of
the service, Major Spatz says the
field should be at least 600 yards
square. The ground shall be of
such nature that an automobile
can be driven at speed of TWEEN
tyfive miles an hour over any part
of the field. The ground should
be well drained and free from high
grass or bushes and have no obsta-
high wire lines adjacent to 1t.
Markers in the shape Of TRAN
gle nine feet on each side and two
feet in width. painted white, are to
be placed in each corner of the
id. A circle, twenty-five feet in
diameter with q band two feet in
width, is to be placed in the CEN
ter of the field. The circle is to be
formed of gravel and small rocks
placed in q ditch so the top of the
circle will be flush with the level
of the ground. The stone Is to be
The name of the
town is to be painted in large let
ters on the roof of the Santa Fe
railway station.
Here is an opportunity to place
Las Cruces on the map in a big
way" commented George w,
Frcnger, chairman of the indus
trial committee Of the chamber of
commerce. There are several good
sites in Las Cruces and one near
the New Mexico College of Agri-
culture and Mechanic Arts at Me-
silla Park.
THE establishment of airways is
he first step, as Major Spatz says,
n the development of aerial trans
)ortation. Commercial airplanes,
designed for the comfort and safe
y of their passengers, will follow.
"As the means of transportation
developed from stage coaches to
he organized railroad companies
" today, so will the aerial trans
pioneers, who are today |
lighting for existence and recogni-
ion. grow into the organized aerial
companies of to-
"Our military committee. headed |
" Maj ]. C. Waterman, will CO.
perate with Major Spatz and the
ervice in every way that is open
o them. We want Las Cruces des-
gnated as an intermediate station
n the first air map, Of the coun-
ry,"