H—37

In addition to their primary function of training, the majority of clubs engaged in commercial activities, mainly in the charter and joyriding field. In these operations 5,166 trips were completed and 9,555 passengers carried. Commercial work involved 5,019 flying hours and a total flown distance of 501,900 miles. (b) Aeronautical Information Service The establishment of an Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) implements a procedure recommended by ICAO, and its functions may be briefly defined as the collection, collation, recording, editing, publishing, and rapid dissemination of aeronautical information to all concerned. The objects of the Aeronautical Information Service are achieved through the medium of three classes of basic documents—the New Zealand Air Pilot and Flight Information Manual, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS), and aeronautical maps and charts. The Service maintains the closest liaison with the Lands and Survey Department's Aeronautical Charting Section, which is responsible for the drawing of all aeronautical charts in New Zealand. Special instrument approach charts for all major airports have been completed, and charts of the lesser aerodromes are now in hand. The charts have been produced in conformity with international standards and have been the subject of high commendation from international authorities. (c) Licensing The licensing staff of the Section is responsible for the issue and renewal of the licences and certificates provided for in the Air Navigation Regulations 1933, and for the considerable amount of organization and clerical work involved in the conduct of examinations for these licences held at various centres during the year. A record of the licences and certificates issued during the twelve months ended 31st March, 1950, appears in Appendix B to this report. A total of 14 written and 22 oral examinations involving 269 candidates were held during the year in respect of flight crew and aircraft maintenance engineers. A summary of examination statistics is shown in Appendix C. (d) Regulations Enforcement Investigations into reported cases of breaches of the Air Navigation Regulations have resulted in the Police Department being requested to institute Court action against nine offenders, and fines totalling approximately £lOO were inflicted. Less serious breaches were dealt with by direct departmental action, and twelve pilots suffered suspension of their licences for periods of up to twelve months. In addition, warnings were issued in three instances where unsafe practices have been reported. An analysis of the cases reported shows that the causes of complaint are chiefly unauthorized low flying and engaging in flying operations while not holding the appropriate licence. Both of these causes indicate lack of supervision on the part of the operating agencies. PART VI—AIRWORTHINESS DIVISION The title " Airworthiness Division " has been adopted as being more appropriate than the terms " Aeronautics Division" or " Aeronautical Engineering Division" previously in use. Under the direction of the Chief Aeronautical Engineer the work of the Division in carried out by three Sections : (1) Inspection Section. (2) Engineering Section. (3) Technical Administration Section.

38