REGULATING AIR TRAFFIC

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 14 November 1928, Page 5

REGULATING AIR TRAFFIC

Instances of private aeroplanes falling into private property have led to a discussion in England of the need for regulation of civil aviation. English law already assures the freedom of the air to aviators, subject In prohibitions of dangerous flying, imperilling persons or property. “A good many of us are beginning to realise that aeroplanes, which we used to regard as rare, remote, and rather interesting visitants, can he both annoying and alarming,” says the "Evening Standard.” “The noise they create is more shattering than that of any motor veil' ■. and no motor vehicle ever threatens to carry away one's chim-ney-pots or to dro’i a ton or so of metal and flaming petrol on one's roof. The property owner has a genuine grievance against this menace, and means must be found to protect him. The air has become as important to the community as any public highway, and it must lie taken away from private ownership. We must control the annoyance caused bv aeroplanes. The excessive noise and dangerously low flying must be dealt with on the same general principles as other nuisances, though no doubt special methods will ho necessary. And the sooner we begin '•< consider what special methods will be required, the belter it will he. both for the progress of aviation and for tin; public at large.”