Evening star., 1933-12-17

they are approved.
types of airplaneS for transport purposes
The new high-speed commercial trans
ports have been under study with a
view to adapting them to the needs OF
military service.
New Regulations Enacted,
In announcing during the past week
number of new amendments to the
air commerce regulations, the De-
partment of Commerce aeronauticS
branch gives evidence of a strong dis
position. already manifested by its now
famous private airplane survey, to en-
courage the development of flying as a
safe means OF travel and recreation
for the average citizen.
The amendments deal chiefly with
problems of private flying and are the
result OF long and detailed study
made by the new officials of the aero
nauticS branch, in cooperation with
the aviation industry and pilots organ
ization.
Most important of the amendments
is creation of the grade of amateur
pilots license, based on a minimum of
25 hours Of solo flying time. The ANA
teur grade is an intermediate step be-
tween the grades of licensed student
pilots and private pilots. The grade
corresponds to the former grade of solo
pilot, created as one of the last acts of
the outgoing administration of Col.
Clarence M Young, which was aban-
doned By the new administration be-
cause of inspection economies.
Experience has demonstrated, how
ever, that an intermediate step between
student pilot and the present private
pilots grade, with its requirement of
so hours of solo flying, is necessary.
In creating the amateur grade, how
ever. the Aeronautics Branch has under
taken to provide safeguards for the rel
atively inexperienced pilots of this clas-
Sif1cation and the general public.
Another amendment requires that
minors obtain the consent of parents
or guardians before they obtain stu
dent pilots license or any other grade
of license. Other of the new amend
ments provide for:
Establishment of new ratings for De-
partment of Commerce approved flying
schools to care for the new grade of
amateur pilot.
Enlargement of the privileges of the
private pilot and of the limited COM
mercial pilot, with respect to flying op-
erations beyond the 10-mile radius of
his base, with a view to permitting
them to carry guests, executives or en-
ployes of companies for which they
work, and may demonstrate aircraft to
prospective purchasers.
Extension of the period OF validity
of student permits from the former
limit Of one year to two years.
A change in the medical require
ments for private pilots. who will be
required to take physical examinations
only every other year instead OF every
year, as at present. This provision ap-
plies also to the new amateur grade.
To Stimulate Flying.
Prohibiting landings by student pilots
at airline terminals or at airports where
flying meets or air races are in progress,
unless they are legitimately based at
such points
Authority for passengers to sit at
controls of dual-controlled aircraft If
operated by a pilot licensed in the
higher grades, and when no passengers
are carried for hire.
The regulations, as amended. it Is
hoped, will do much to stimulate pri-
vate flying. To this end the branch
also is attempting to determine the
extent of the market for a light air.
plane which manufacturers have said
can be built in quantity production on
a basis Of 10000 or more airplanes at
a unit cost of about $700.
At the time this was written the
Aeronautics Branch had received IT,
600 replies to letters sent to all air
plane pilots and mechanics, of which
l2,700 were affirmative replies, some
with qualifications, and many with
comments or suggestions. OF those
who replied, $500 said without any
qualification that they would purchase
such an airplane Another 1900 said
they would be purchasers If the plane
met their approval In certain specified
particulars Three thousand three
hundred others expressed an intention
to buy If they had the money at the
time or II the airplane met their ap-
proval. Only 1900 of the 1850 said
definitely they would not buy, ma
jority Of them giving financial con-
siderations as their reason.
Those who replied listed friends or
acquaintance to a total Of $1,000 as
potential purchasers of cheap, safe
airplane of the general type described
by the Department of Commerce.
Marine Reserves Leave.
Political reorganization of the Aero
nautics Branch of the Department of
Commerce has cost VJ-7MR, the local
Marine Corps Reserve aviation squad
ron, all of its commissioned personnel
above the rank Of second lieutenant.
One after another the senior officers
of the squadron have left the Aero
nautics Branch, Washington and the
squadron. Capt Gilbert q. Budwig,
first director Of air. regulation Of