Evening star., 1925-07-26

local clubs or societies for interchange
of ideas and promotion of aerial con-
tests and exhibitions. In the United
States the organization of aero clubs
began in 1906. Soon thereafter came
demand for an association Of wider
scope to conduct national aeronautical
contests and represent this country
in an international association known
as the Federation Aeronautique In
ternational. The role was fulfilled sue
cessfully for many years by the Aero
Club of America, but finally internal
disSensions in the club went so far as
to carry the differences into the courts.
The result was loss of public conf
dence that finally ended the usefulness
of the Aero Club of America.
The exploits of the air forces during
the World War, involving the training
of many thousands of balloon and air.
plane pilots, greatly stimulated pop
ular interest in aeronautics. Shortly
after the armistice certain kindly and
public-spirited citizens, anxious to do
something for the flyers returning
from France, organized the American
Flying Club, with headquarters in
New York City. 1t served a useful
purpose at that time by extending
fraternal and cordial greetings to air
men. When that need passed, the
American Flying Club was consoli-
dated with the Aero Club of America,
but unfortunately that merger oc-
Cured about the time of the diSSen-
sions and damaging publicity.
Howard E. Coffin and others who
had tried to save the Aero Club of
America some three years ago con-
cluded that the loss of popular conf
dence could not be overcome success
fully. They determined to withdraw
% wi
its seemingly endles legal entangle-
ments, and to organ re a new asso-
citation. Accordingly the National
Aeronautic Association was formed at
a convention of delegates from almost
every State in the Union, assembled
at Detroit in October, 1922. The inter
national body promptly transferred its
representation to the new association.
AS the membership continues to in
crease, local chapters are organized
in various cities of the United States.
This national association not only
sanctions and superviseS all aero
nautical contests but accomplishes a
most useful purpose in arousing and
maintaining popular interest in aero
nautics. More than any other person,
Mr.. Coffin should be credited with the
successful establishment of the asso-
citation.
A ERONAUTICS in the United
4 y States is fortunate in having its
claims to public interest presented by
several excellent periodicals issued
weekly and monthly, all of which are
published without Government sub
sidy, as is the case in some European
countries.
Another organization deserving of
special mention is the Aeronautical
Chamber of Commerce. 1t is a mem
Der of the Chamber of Commerce of
the United States and composed of
manufacturers and dealers in aircraft
and accessories, as well as engineers.
The book published yearly by this or
ganization is looked upon as val
liable contribution to aeronautical lit
erature, by setting forth the annual
progress.
Progress in the evolution of air
planes is best illustrated by compari-
son of the latest flight performances
with those Of even Is years ago. For
example, the Wright airplane of 1909
had a maximum speed of AZ miles an
hour and an engine of 25 horsepower
The world record for maximum speed
is now held by a French pilot who is
credited with 27S miles an hour
Large airplanes now have engines
totaling 2,400 horsepower.
Fifteen years ago airplanes did not
venture much over 200 feet in altitude;