France to Control Aerial Navigation.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 19, 8 May 1912, Page 7

France to Control Aerial Navigation.

Aerial navigation lias its first charter signed by M. Fallieres, ('resident of the French Republic, ami countersigned by the Ministers of Public Works. Interior. War, Finance and the Marine, and promulgated in the form of a ministerial degree regulating aerial navigation in France. It has to be voted by the French Chamber and Senate la-fine it becomes a law. The charter was issued in France to protect the puaiie against inconveniences and risks which may result from imprudent and daring aviators, or by the imperfection of their machines It gives the Minister of Public Works authority to act officially until the aerial navigation law becomes an actual fact. It consists of six chapters with a total of forty two clauses. It stipulates that all airships (steerable balloons or aero {Janes) must bear a plainly visible regis tered number. Each machine must have a log book in which the names of persons carried and the times and places of de partures and arrivals must be recorded. No explosives are to be transported without special permit. Wireless tele graphic and photographic apparatus is prohibited unless a special permit is obtained from the Alinister of Public Works. Flights over cities and crowds arc prohibited. It- is also ordered that an airship must come to earth and stop ■whenever it is officially signaled so to do. The exact nature of the signals is still to be fixed. Every steerable ba! loon, while navigating between sunset and sun rise, must show a white light in front and red and green lights on either side, like a steamer. Aeroplanes are given temporary permission to carry one lantern only, but it must be placed in front and throw a green light to the right and a red light to the left.