VIEWS of the maintenance chiefs of all major air-transport lines, based upon their experiences in this field and as transmitted by them through the Maintenance Committee of the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America, Inc., are embodied in the paper. Representing as it does the collective experience of the best minds in the field, the paper is particularly significant and worthy of the consideration of manufacturers, engineers and others directly concerned with the problems presented.
As to fuselage and wing coverings, it is stated that fabric has a definite advantage when considering weight and emergency repairs. Airplanes covered with fabric can be restored to service quickly in cases where, with the same damage, replacement of other forms of covering would cause the plane to be laid up in the shop at a time when it is most needed. With the new improved finishes, fabric is said to be as satisfactory as any covering available.
Other subjects treated include landing-gears and wheels, controls, features of cabin interiors, gasoline tanks, fuel systems and oil tanks, engines, electrical equipment and other accessories. The author states that every consideration should be given to accessibility.
Discussers state that the air-transport operator is now in a position to specify to the manufacturer various requirements that must be met before equipment will be bought.