BRITISH AIR WAYS.
RULES FOR CIVILIAN FLYING.
If the map issued by the Air Ministry, showing the aerial routes that will be open to civilian flying from neat Thursday, be compared with the map of prohibited areas under the operation of pre-war Aerial Navigation Acts, a striking contrast will be seen. Before the war the whole of the United Kingdom could be flown over, with the exception of a number of areas each of small extent. The coast-line, however, could only be crossed at a few points. Under the new law the whole of the United Kingdom is prohibited area, except on the routes shown in the map; whilst aircraft arriving from overseas must land at one of four appointed aerodromes. From time to time, no doubt, the aerial routes will be increased in number; and we are promised also improved facilities to suit coming developments. Meanwhile, it is understood that pleasure-flying, such as that permitted during the Easter holidays, will continue, and inquiries yesterday among aviation companies elicited the information that passenger flying will be possible at all the principle pleasure resorts in the near future. The map illustrates routes over which flying will be permitted. It does not follow that preparations are complete for the inauguration of services over these routes. As a matter of fact, the aviation companies are not yet ready to avail themselves fully of the opportunities offered. For one thing, since the armistice aeroplane manufacture has been more or less marking time; moreover, companies which have been trying to purchase Service machines from the Air Ministry have not yet found it possible to do much business. There are, however, exceptions; and already one firm – Handley Page Ltd. – have appointed agents in the City who are prepared to accept passengers and freight for conveyance by aeroplane.
THE NEW TRAFFIC.
The map gives an impression of aircraft services in full operation, running regularly and punctually. But we must not forget that, from that point of view, the proof is yet to come. At first there will be disappointments, as well as agreeable surprises; but it will certainly be found that in a little while, as experience is amassed, and routine worked down to, that aircraft services will become as dependable as railways and steamship lines. Details of the regulations have yet to be issued, and aerial law, as it affects international traffic, will be published with the Treaty of Peace. Already many of the essential points are known, for the reports of the subcommittees of the International Aerial Commission have been issued. The precise conditions under which pilots are to be trained and licensed have yet to be declared. As regards inspection of machines, it is understood that, although for Easter holiday flying this was carried out by Air Ministry officials, it will in future be left to inspectors appointed by the firms concerned, these inspectors, of course, being approved by the Air Ministry. The Air Ministry have been well advised in limiting at first the number of aerial routes. It is obviously necessary to feel the way. That there will be attempts to evade the law may be confidently expected. The limitation of the routes will enable the authorities more easily to supervise traffic. There are two important dangers; one, that of the immigration of very undesirable aliens; the other that of the smuggling of dutiable goods.
SMUGGLING BY PARACHUTE.
Aircraft crossing the coast at any point not authorised will be immediately reported. It is difficult to believe that an aeroplane engaged in any form of illicit operation could not only cross the coast, but could land at an unauthorised aerodrome, without being notified and discovered. Night offers no protection to the offender, for there is no such thing as complete silencing of the engine; and no landing can be made at night without very conspicuous lighting arrangements. It has been thought that dutiable goods might be dropped by parachute at pre-arranged spots, This, however, is scarcely likely in view of the fact that by day such an operation could be seen at a great distance, and by night it could be not be done without signal lights. Moreover, a parachute may drift in almost any direction and to any distance; and to entrust valuable articles to this precarious vehicle would be folly of which even a criminal would scarcely be capable. That some sort of aerial police will ultimately prove necessary appears likely. They might be required for the rarer and more desperate cases, but, so far as can be foreseen, a wellorganised system of look-outs and communications should make attempts to evade the law unprofitable. Heavy penalties for offences will, of course, be necessary.