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Aviation History
1947
1947 - 1758.PDF
42* FLIGHT OCTOBER Civil Aviation News ..... ol efficiency and economy should not be sacrificed to uniformity and that the Ministry of Civil Aviation should seek to achieve the maximum flexibility in their commercial activities. (j) Exchequer Omuls.—Your Committee noted with satisfaction that a grant formula is being agreed and believe that such a formula can simplify consideration of future programmes. (4 Demarcation of Functions between the Ministry and the Corporations.—Jt appears that any duplication of the services pro- vided by the Ministry and the Corporations can best be avoided by discussiun at the airports. Again, however, it is possible that assistance might profitably be sought from the Organization and Methods Division of the Treasury. (5) Maintenance of Aircraft.—Although Your Committee appre- ciate that sjach Corporation feels a particular and individual re- sponsibility for the maintenance of its aircraft, nevertheless the Corporations should endeavour to obtain the utmost co-operation and collaboration between their technical and -maintenance staffs. (fi) Acquisition of Land.—The possibility of transferring to the District Valuer the agency work done by the Air Ministry Lands Branch on behalf of the Ministry of Civil Aviation should be examined. (7) Acmdrenre Eteveiofment.—Whilst it is appreciated that the work is of a specialized nature, the transference of the civil aero- drome construction work of the Air Ministry Works Department to the Ministry of Works should be carefully considered. (8) Airport Amenities.—To reduce the heavy adverse balances shown in the accounts of the larger airports, the immediate de- velopment of revenue-earning amenities, even of an improvised nature, whicli may also help to popularize air transport, should be considered. The Director of Amenities should submit his report without any delay. ' (9) Landing Fees.—Your Committee ssrted with some concern the difficulties caused by high landing fees, especially to B.li.A.C. on internal lines. Whilst*the Ministry's endeavour to make airports self-supporting is appreciated, their scale of landing fees should be reviewed fthere they amount to such a proportion of the total operating costs as to deter services on routes well suited to air transport. (10) Petrol Tax.—Your Committee observed that the cost of petrol duty to B.E.A.C. for the current year on internal services is estimated at £150,000. The suggestion that internal aft* lines should receive relief from petrol tax, of course, involves fiscal con- siderations, but Your Committee call attention to the fact that the Report of the Cadman Committee,* presented in 1938, stated: — "In view of the fact, however, that this tax bears far more heavily on aviation than on motor transport, owing to the much higher-powered engines necessarily employed, with cor- respondingly increased fuel consumption, there is, in our opinion, justification for re-examination of the matter." (n) Hangar Construction.—The absence of adequate hangar accommodation adds to the maintenance costs borne by the Cor- porations. It was maintained by the Ministry that, owing to un- suitable hangar accommodation, it is at present impossible to service Constellations in this country. Exceptional priority in labour and materials should, therefore, be afforded to ensure the early completion of the accommodation necessary to enable Con- stellations and the new types of Biitish aircraft to be accorrmodated ind serviced in this country. The use of Dorval is clearly un- economical. During their enquiry, Your Committee learnt with satisfaction that the Ministry have set up a joint working party to expedite the transfer to this comrtry of the Dorval servicing organization. Presumably, this working party will also examine * Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Cavil Aviation, Cmd. 5685. Olley Air Service Ltd., took recent delivery of their first de Havilland Dove, a standard eight-seater. Fur- ther deliveries are expected shortly, and the next model will be more lavishly equipped and have seats for only six passengers. the possibility of utilizing accommodation already available 1+ is desirable that it should present its report at the earlier opportunity. a (12) Prestwick.—Every effort should be made to conclude th protracted negotiations between the Ministry and Scottish Aviation Ltd., and to complete the survey to determine the future develop- ment and status of the airport. Your Committee consider that in the final arrangement made between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Scottish Aviation Ltd., endeavour should be made to provide lor the utilization of the skill and experience at present engaged ]'$) Aircraft Construction.—Your Comirittee are satisfied that the Ministry of Supply are now playing a useful part in promoting research and development of aircraft construction. On financial grounds alone, it is necessary that the -Ministry of Supply should continue their responsibility for ordering prototypes of aircraft of new design. Your Committee, on the other hand, were impressed with the need for close co-operation between the Corporations and the constructors in the exchange of information and in the pro- vision to the constructors of as much operational information as possible. It was suggested by the Society of British Aircraft Con- structors, Ltd., that at present the Corporations axe not able supply the technical information required. 53. In conclusion, Y'our Committee emphasize the preliminary nature of their present enquiry. A useful purpose has undoubtedly been served, but, in view of the importance of ensuring that the formative development of civil aviation shall be conducted with all reasonable economy and efficiency. Your Committee recommend that a further enquiry be made next Session and that, in particular, a special examination be made of the Estimates for the Braha«on I prototypes and the construction of London Airport. "tliqht" DIRECTORIAL APPROVAL: Captain G. pToiky, on Vie'right, talking enthusiastically to his co-director, Mr. John Elliot, about their newly acquired Dove. AUSTRALIAN FEEDER AIRCRAFT THE de Havilland Aircraft Pty., Ltd., the Australian com-pany, have disclosed that the prototype of the Droveris now complete. This aircraft has been designed by the com- panv to meet the requirements of Australian feeder lineoperators, and will be powered by three Gipsy Major engines. The span is 57ft, fuselage length 38ft, and .a cruising speed oiJ d ^ 500 miles in still air are expected. The'fuel consumption will be 22| g~pA-will be provided for six to nine, all-up weight will be about75O0 lb. It is understood that the struc- tural design is based on the Dove prin-riples, but no further details, especially iu connection with deliveries or price,will be released until the prototype has heen flown and the estimated Per"iormance figures verified. The Drover will have a tailwheel undercarriage an"will conform to I.C.A.O. requirements for safety during take-off. B.O.A.C. ATLANTIC DIV130 DISCUSSIONS are takingbetween B.O.A.C. and the of Civil Aviation on the possibleof the Corporation's North Atlanta na-
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