H.—37

REPORT OF THE ACTING CONTROLLER OF CIVIL AVIATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1944 The Hon. the Minister op Defence. New operational flying problems and the consideration of post-war aviation development problems have engaged the attention of the Branch during the past year. The work of the inter-departmental Air Transport Committee set up by Cabinet was completed and a report has now been submitted to Government. Commercial Aircraft Services.—Scheduled operations were maintained on the following routes :— (1) Auckland - Palmerston North-Wellington: (2) Wellington-Christchurch-Dunedin: (3) Wellington-Blenheim : (4) Wellington -Nelson: (5) Nelson-Westport-G-reymouth-Hokitika : (6) Hokitika-Weheka : (7) Hokitika-Haast-Okuru - Jacksons Bay. Routes (1) to (4) were operated by Union Airways of New Zealand, Ltd., while the remaining services were maintained by Air Travel (New Zealand), Ltd. The total route mileage flown was 1,248. Details of traffic carried on these services are as follows, the previous year's figures being quoted for comparative purposes : —

The average number of aircraft employed during the year was 5-75. International services were represented by the operations of Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd., which maintained regular schedules between Auckland and Sydney with two Short 5.30 flying-boats. During the year ended 31st March, 1944, 2,294 passengers, 40,024 lb. of freight, and 94,106 lb. of mail were carried, the figures for the previous year being 2,256, 35,195, and 101,741 respectively. Licensing.—During the year new regulations were issued governing the issue of licenses to personnel operating radio equipment installed in aircraft, and also prescribing the qualifications and licensing of those engaged in the overhaul and inspection of radio equipment. These regulations will serve the purpose of setting a definite standard for the personnel concerned. I have, &c., J. M. Buckeeidge, Flight Lieutenant, Acting Controller of Civil Aviation.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (720 copies), £6 10s.

Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—1944.

Price 3d.]

4

Year ended Passengers. Freight. Mail. lb. lb. 31st March, 1944 .. 37,435 191,114 244,614 31st March, 1943 .. 30,634 174,753 " 220,527