REGULATION OF AVIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1931, Page 6

REGULATION OF AVIATION.

Now that aviation has taken its place as one of the transport services of the Dominion regulations for its control were bound to follow. 'Though interest in aeronautics was slower of growth in the Dominion than in other parts of the Empire, it is now rapidly extending, and the era in which only the Defence Air Force and a few enthusiastic amateurs represented New Zealand’s contribution to the science is now closed. The Air Navigation Bill now before Parliament is to give effect to international regulations of aviation which have been accepted by other countries for over a decade. They provide for supervision of aerodromes, pilots and ground staffs and of aeroplanes, and seeing that the safety of the public is concerned in all these there will be no complaint against the proposal to make them subject to effective supervision. The regulations will to some extent control air routes, conditions under which transport services may be given, the charges at licensed aerodromes and the fees for licenses. It will be seen that the supervision intended will not bo superficial, and it is well that it should be thorough. The Bill gives powers to the Government to commandeer all air services or plant in any time of national emergency and to prohibit flights over certain defence areas. Provision is made to avoid claims for trespass in the case of forced landings, but aircraft will be liable for damage caused by their operation. Heavy fines or imprisonment are provided as the penalty for flying in a manner dangerous to any person or property, and power is given for investigation into flying accidents. The principle underlying all the proposals appears to be that of "safety first,” and those most interested in aeronautics are likely to be the first to endorse it. As the Bill is purely administrative it should not take long in becoming law, thus enabling New Zealand to enter the international agreement for the control of air navigation.