Evening star., 1930-12-04
AIR GAINS TRACED
INNAT|ONAL REPORT
Continued Government Aid to
/ Scientific Development Is
Urged on Congress.

Air transport development stands as
The most important aviation progress
during the past year, according TO the
annual report of the National Advisory
Committee for Aeronautics, submitted
TO Congress today by President Hoover.
The committee urged the continua-
tion of intensive scientific research in
eeronautics and the President, in his
letter of submittal, supported its re-
"The announcement provided by the
Watres act for the carrying OF airnna1l
and the transportation Of passengers,
eaid DR.. Joseph s. Ames, chairman OF
che committee, in his letter OF trans
initial, "will enable air transportat ton
companies to gain experience with the
factors which will ultimately place air
transportation on q sound economic
basis"
Problems Are Outlined.
The important research problems in
aviation which now require solution,
Dr.. Ames said, are the improvement OF
aircraft and aircraft engine design, re-
gulting In more economical operation,
and the development of improved facilt-
ties which will aid in the safety and
reliability of aircraft operations.
Commercial aviation, 1t Is stated In
third fundamental stage of development
and is about to enter on the fourth
stage. The first stage, it was explained,
was direct operation of airmail service
BY the Post once Department; the Sec
end stage the operation OF airmail lines
by contract, with Federal regulation
and assistance; the third the direct en-
couragement given airmal contractors
% develop and use aircraft suitable for
~ AE TuNn mail
and the fourth stage, now about to be-
lin, the carrying of passengers and ex-
press as the major portion OF the busi-
ness of operating air lines, with the
carrying of afrmail subordinated.
Washington Line Example.
"a striking demonstration of the
practical utility of the airplane for the
transportation of passengers in compe-
tition with excellent railroad service
over q comparatively short distance Is
furnished by the New York to WASH
ington air line" the committee re-
ported. "On this line airplanes leave
every hour on the hour during the busi-
ness day and frequently run double or
triple sections"
During the past year, the committee
reported, Improvement in the design
and performance Of aircraft has been
greater than was anticipated.
"This has no doubt been largely due
90 the general business depression,
which induced keener competition
among designers and manufacturers,
e was reported.
"The aircraft industry is passing
through q severe period Of transition,
which Is witnessing the elimination Of
many Of the weaker companies and the
consolidation Of others. This was in
evitable, even without the spur Of
general depression. With mushroom
growth halted, there is promise that
Che overdeveloped industry wiz emerge
from its present condition fortified by
. sounder business and economic struc-
taire."
Improvement Is Shown.
The airplane has been improved dur
ing the year in speed, safety, comfort,
reliability, cruising radius and economy
Of maintenance and Of operation, the
report shows.
An increase Of 800 per cent in paid
passengers is cited as q most notable
development for the year 1880, and as