The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1925-12-24
AVIATION NEEDS
MEN, SAYS CHIEF
Service Has Developed,
But Lacks Personnel,
Moffett Reports.
MORE FUNDS NEEDED

Washington. ar While naval
aviation has developed to the point
chat it sis now an integral part of
the fleet" the shortage of personnel
has been a handicap and adequate
expansion can not be made without
increased appropriations, Read Adj
niiral WA. Moffett, chief of the Navy
Bureau Of Aeronautics, says in his an
nual report.
Until there is a sufficient personnel
the naval aeronautic organization can
not assume its proper place as a
balanced arm of the fleet" he said,
and unless there is an increase in APP
preparations, "there can be no ma
terial increase in numbers of air.
craft"
The report dealt with the fiscal year
and did not discuss the air contro-
versy which has since arisen.
His Recommendation Summarized.
Summarizing his Recommendations,
Moffett said:
"Naval aviation has continued its
efforts to give the feet sufficient
planes of the types to meet the naval
requirements, and this has been sue
cessful to the point where naval avi-
alton is now an integral part of the
feet, accompanying it wherever 1T
goes.
"The use of aircraft abroad ships
improses upon the designers of naval
aircraft problems not met in the de-
sign Of other aircraft. The limita-
tions of weight and size are the two
outstanding problems to be dealt
with. These limitations have been
met as far as the engines are con-
cerned by the development of air.
cooled engines, which has progressed
satisfactorily. The development of
metal construction of aircraft is pro-
crossing satisfactorily, but has not yet
reached point where it is entirely
practicable for production orders.
"The design and operation of cata-
pults during the past year has been
highly satisfactory.
sit is believed that our navy is the
only one. which uses catapults to any
practical extent. Our development has
progressed to a point whore planes
are now catapulted upon signal from
the flagship.
Flying Hours Increasing.
"The number of flying hours is in
creasing yearly, and the bureau is de-
sirous of encouraging as far as prac-
ticable a greater increase because it
is believed that the more hours our
aviators have in the air the more pro-
ficient they will be.
"The shortage of both commissioned
and enlisted personnel has been a
handicap during the past year. While
it is realized that this has been
brought about by the general short
age throughout the service, it is de-
sired to point out that the naval aero
1autic organization can not assume its
proper place as a balanced arm of the
feet until it has sufficient personnel.
"The annual report Of the Bureau OF
Aeronautic would not be complete
without an expression of appreciation
of the assistance rendered this bureau
by the United States Army Air Serv-
ice, the National Advisory Committee
for Aeronautic, the Bureau of Stand
ards, and the Forest Products Labora-
tory The heartiest cooperation has
existed between this bureau and the
agencies named, and their assistance
has been of great value and source
of economy to the government.
"In past annual reports this bureau
has recommended that the department
do everything possible to place upon
the statutes of the government ade-
quate legislation covering civil avi-
alton. l wish to emphasize again the
necessity for such legislation if COM
mercial aviation is to make real pro-
gress in this country.
More Appropriation Needed.
"While the progress during the year
has been reasonably satisfactory, con-
sidering the funds appropriated, it
must be realized that unless appropri-
ations are increased there can be no
material increase in numbers Of air.
craft, as the appropriations for the
last five years have been just about
sufficient to purchase planes to meet
the normal attrition."
Despite what he described as sun
usually heavy casualties" a net gain
of Sd naval aviators during the year
was noted by Admiral Moffett but he
emphasized tndL kESdIcE yearly AH-
crease is necessary to meet the de-
mands of the service. Because of the
shortage it was necessary to continue
the operation of 12-plane squadrons
instead of expanding to 18-plane
squadrons, as authorized.
The casualties numbered 80 killed,
nine seriously injured and SO who
sustained minor injuries. This COM
pared with IS killed, IA seriously in
jured and 26 who sustained minor In
jurieg in 1924. The number Of naval
aviators was 382 on last July /, COM
pared with 1923 year before.
The casualties were sustained dur
ing total OF 63,782 flight hours in
which there were 1876 crashes. This
compared with 1888 hours and 100
crashes in 1924. During the past year
27,631 fights were made from the air.
craft squardons of the battle feet,
9,139 from the aircraft squadrons of
the scouting feet, and 1850 from the
aircraft carrier Langley. Others
from the Asiatic feet and air sta
tions brought the total Of fights to
S5,447.
GhricAuooc Mol OF