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Aviation History
1911
1911 - 0479.PDF
JUNE 3, 1911. \fim?\ THE FIRST BRITISH AVIATION BILL. As we said in our leading article of last week, it is impossible to congratulate the Government upon the first Bill they have seen fit to introduce as a means of controlling the doings of aviators in this country. Panic legislation is never dignified, is often little more than ludricrous ; while, as on the present occasion, drastic modifica tion is frequently seen to be desirable by its sponsors even during the brief interval needed for passing the proposed measure and for incurring the wasted time and expenditure. Here is a belated attempt to guard against the imaginary danger of over-sanguine aviators trying to secure popularity and fame by flying over London during the Coronation festivities. Already, the Royal Aero Club had taken steps far more effective than any threatened fine or term of imprisonment to stop any such attempted performance, for it had definitely notified everyone concerned that its own -certificates would be cancelled in any cases of the kind in question, and hence that the immediate career of any flying man would be brought to a end rather than standing a chance of being improved by such a performance. Naturally enough, there is a very strong feeling of resentment throughout the whole community interested in aviation, that any such slur should be thrown on the flying men of to-day as is implied by the passing of a Bill of this character. Fortunately the absurdity of it all will be recognised at large when the Coronation festivities are over, and when no single conviction has been obtained or been sought under the Bill ; and very possibly when real legislation is required a little later on this first weird attempt may prove to be the means of safeguarding against any like •vein of undue haste or of panic. As originally introduced, this precious Bill was framed as follows :— 1. If any person navigates an aircraft recklessly or negligently, or in a manner which is dangerous to the public, he shall be guilty of an offence under this Act, and in determining whether an aircraft is navigated in a manner which is dangerous to the public regard shall tie had to the amount of damage to person and property likely to be occasioned in the event of a mishap occurring to the aircraft. 2. (1) A Secretary of State may, for the purpose of protecting the public from danger, from time to time by order prohibit the navigation of aircraft over such areas as may be prescribed in the order, and if any person navigates an aircraft or allows an aircraft to be navigated over any such urea in contravention of any such order, he shall be guilty of an offence under this Act. (2) Any such order may apply, either generally to all aircraft or to aircraft of such classes and descriptions only as may be specified in the order, and may prohibit the navigation of aircraft over any such prescribed area either at all times or at such times or on such occasions only as may be specified in the order, and either absolutely or subject to such exceptions or conditions as may be so specified. 3. If any person is guilty of an offence under this Act he shall be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to a fine not exceeding .£500, or to 'H>ln such imprisonment and fine, or on summary conviction to imprison ment for a term not exceeding three months, or to a fine not exceeding ^100, or to both such imprisonment and fine. 4. This Act may be cited as the Aerial Navigation Act, 1911. On Monday evening last, when the second reading was moved by Mr. Churchill, some very important alterations were announced, showing clearly a tendency to repent the undue haste with which the measure had been rushed together. Mr. Churchill spoke of the regret that would be fell over anything which would *' hamper the development oft his vast new science, which the Government believed was fraught with immense consequences to the future of the people of these islands." He repeated that the Bill must be regarded merely as a temporary measure, and that during the next few sessions of Parliament it would have to be followed by more complete legisla tion. He also notified his willingness to omit Clause 1 in Committee, to confine the penalty to the person actually navigating the machine, and to reduce the penalty to ;£20O or six months' imprisonment; while he further agreed that a person convicted should have the right to appeal, and be tried by a jury in the usual manner. The Bill was then read a second time without a division, and referred to a Committee of the whole House being finally passed on Tuesday with the amendments specified. The words " unless he proves he was compelled to do so by reason of weather or other circumstances over which he had no control," were also added at the end of Clause 2. AIRSHIP NEWS. The " Navy Dirigible No. 1" Back in her Shed. GREAT disappointment was expressed on the 25th ult. that, after a three days' airing, the naval airship should have been taken back to the shed. It is stated that some small minor adjustments have yet to be made before the ship will be seen in the air. Some •difficulty was experienced in getting the great airship in position to enter the shed, owing to a cross wind, but after about 90 mins. this delicate operation was complete, when 8 mins. sufficed to run the giant dirigible into its shed. The only incident in the operation •was the falling of two bluejackets into the dock, but they were none the worse for their ducking. It is now stated that the airship will not be seen in the open for two or three weeks, and will take no part in the Coronation Naval Review, to which it was anticipated she would make her maiden voyage. "Clement Bayard IV" Out Again. THE new Clement Bayard airship was brought out of its shed at La Motte Breuil on ihe 26th ult., and with eleven passengers on board cruised over Soissons in a mosl satisfactory manner for an hour and ten minutes. Photos by Mr. Andrew 1.. liennison. THE WILLOWS AIRSHIP AT LEAMINGTON DURING ITS RECENT VISFT.-As seen through an adjacent orchard, and a near view oE the " car," engine, propellers, &c. 481
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