Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-02
AVIATION UNIT
URGED FOR CAPITAL
Air Legion Petitions Hurley to
Ask Congress for National
Guard Squadron.

Secretary o. War Patrick J. Hurley
yesterday was requested 70 take the
necessary steps during the coming ses-
sion Of Congress to bring about the
creation of a District Of Columbia Ma
tional Guard aviation squadron. The
request was made in petition sent to
the War Department By the District Of
Columbia Air Legion, local private
flying club, which now has nearly 200
members, nearly 50 Of whom have made
solo flights and o number Of whom
have obtained pilots licenses from the
Department of Commerce.
Some months ago when q similar
request was made to the War Depart
ment, Army officials replied that there
were no appropriations available for
the purpose and that the local aviation
fields were inadequate for such an
organization.
I'VE feel that with the development
Of Washington Hoover Airport during
the past year the matter Of airport
facilities has been taken care of and
that the matter Of an appropriation
might well be considered during the
next session Of Congress" T. J. waggy.
manager Of the Legion, stated In his
letter to Mr.. Hurley.
TT seems to u.s." Waggy continued.
CIE8L Tie OAplCdl Oh JIlo OHiteu 0CaCeS
should have q corps Of National Guard
aviators or Reserve aviators here at all
times available for the defense of the
Capital in case Of war. We feel that
the Regular Army and Navy aviators,
In case Of an emergency, would be need
ed elsewhere and that q corps such as
we suggest could get into service within
~ hours and take care Of the situation
here until they too were needed else
veqUo and otheES were RECRUITED and
&AAned 30 take then raacAS
S7S Lloansad AxasAssn.
d was pointed out that the District
Of Columbia has Suficient qualified
aviators outside the Army and Navy
to make possible the immediate estab-
hshment Of National Guard squadron.
The records Of the Department Of Com
merce show that the District has ara
licensed aviatorS and ranks above all
but II Of the States In the number of
transport pilots, the highest type Of
license issued by the Department of
Commerce.
"Many Of these" waggy stated,
would welcome an opportunity to join
m organization wherein they might
train for the war duty that most Of
them win be called upon TO perform
should We have another war during tho
present generation.
I'm going over this suggestion during
the past year We have come 10 the
conclusion that the Army Reserve Corps
adequately. First, We feel that IN case
Of war many aviators would be required
20 that It would be necessary to call
for volunteers from those who have not
the 400 hours required by the War De.
partment to their credit These men,
as they viii be called In time Of war
to the service Of their country, we feel
should have an opportunity for train
ing In Army ships IN the meantime.
Suggest Reorganization.
ITO take care Of this situation we
would suggest that the Army Reserve
Corps aviation section be slightly re.
organized so that persons who have
soloed an airplane might enlist as
privates, being promoted to corporal
when they obtain their private license.
10 sergeant when they have their limit
Cd commercial license and to lieutenant
when they have their transport license,
all promotions 70 be subject 10 the pass
promotion above lieutenant being grant,
cd any person with less than 400 hours
10 his credit.
This plan. we believe, would open
the opportunity to service to many
aviators throughout the United States
who do not now have that opportunity,
with assurance to them that they viii
reach commissioned rank when properly
qualified. It would also build I'D q
corps OF trained ayiators within the
Army Reserve that would be very
valuable In time Of an emergency.
1T seems to US that We who have
taken the time to learn 70 ny, at no
little expense, should be granted an
opportunity 70 serve our country as
aviators IN whatever capacity we are
able 70 NIL and We respectfully suggest
that the Secretary Of War take this
matter under consideration with q view
70 either organizing local squadron Of
National Guard aviatorx or FeoFRanizinR
the Army Air Reserves, e. noted above.H