H.—37.

REPORT OF THE CONTROLLER OF CIVIL AVIATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1938. The Hon. the Minister of Defence, — Administration. The Civil Aviation Branch of the Air Department is responsible for the administration of the Air Navigation Act, 1931, and regulations made thereunder. The construction of aerodromes and emergency-landing grounds is undertaken by the Aerodromes Branch of the Public Works Department on behalf of the Air Department. The provision of radio aids to air navigation is supervised by the Aeradio Committee, composed of representatives of the Air, Public Works, and Post and Telegraph Departments, and the Meteorological Office under the chairmanship of the Controller of Civil Aviation, the Post and Telegraph Department undertaking the installation, operation, and maintenance of the radio services. Civil aviation estimates for the year 1937-38 provided for a total expenditure of £42,234 the actual expenditure being £35,523. Examinations. Two B Licence Pilots' Examinations were conducted during the year. There were thirty candidates, of whom eight passed and six obtained partial passes. Arrangements have been made for the holding of an examination for Air Navigators' (Second Class) Licences. The examination is to be held in July and will be the first of that nature held in the Dominion. The syllabus for the examination has been circulated and is of a similar standard to that obtaining abroad. To date twelve applications to sit have been received. During the year thirteen examinations for ground engineers were held. Thirty candidates presented themselves for examination, and twenty-three candidates were successful. The number of categories in which these candidates were examined totalled forty-two. Instructors' Course. A special course for aero club flying instructors was held at Wigram Aerodrome from 13th to 30th April, 1937. Nine instructors attended the course, and the syllabus included lectures on air navigation and airmanship, airframes, and aero engines, and practical instruction in instrument flying and instructional patter. At the conclusion of the course tests were conducted, and the following categories awarded : — Category. Significance. A 1 1. (Exceptionally good instructor who has demonstrated by practical work his suitability for the highest category). A2 .. 3. (Very good instructors). B1 . . 4. (Capable instructors). B2 . . 1. (Has the makings of an instructor with practice). In addition, each of the instructors attending the course qualified for a B certificate of Proficiency in Instrument Flying. Increased activities of aero clubs and the lack of qualified personnel necessitated the training of six further instructors at a course which was held at Wigram Aerodrome between 4th and 20th May, 1937. Commercial Flying. Regular Air Transport Companies. As at Ist April, 1937, the following scheduled services were in operation : — (1) Palmerston North - Dunedin (via Blenheim and Christchurch) .. . . . . .. Union Airways of New Zealand, Ltd. (2) Napier-Gisborne . . .. . . . • East Coast Airways, Ltd. (3) Hokitika-Haast-Okuru . . . . . . Air Travel (N.Z.), Ltd. (4) Inchbonnie-llokitika-Weheka .. .. „ (5) Wellington-Blenheim-Nelson .. .. ... Cook Strait Airways, Ltd. (6) Nelson-G-reymouth-Hokitika .. .. .. „ The route mileage operated on these services was 1,108 miles. The use made of air transport soon called for an expansion, and to meet the demand for an extended service in the North Island, Union Airways inaugurated an Auckland-Wellington service on 27th June, 1937, using Lockheed " Electra " 10a aircraft, calls being made at New Plymouth and Palmerston North.

6