IT is obvious that this subject is so vast and and that its nature is such, thatit can only be dealt with haphazardly For that very reason it furnishes,perhaps, suitable subject matter for discussion

I propose to choose at random a limited number of unsolved aeronautical problems,to state them, one by one, with the briefest possible comments so that there maybe plenty of time left for what we hope will prove an illuminating andthought-inspiring discussion

Here are the problems —

1. (1) The propulsion of aeroplanes with constant power at varyingaltitudes

2. (2) Jet propulsion of aeroplanes

3. (3) Variable wing surface aeroplanes

4. (4) Vertically ascending and descending flying machines

5. (5) Fog landings

6. (6) Sea-worthy flying boats

7. (7) The ideal aerodynamic structure, small and large

8. (8) The multi-engine room with ideal propeller distribution and withoutengine drag

EARLY this month I was invited by your Council to read a paper before you, and itwas with some misgivings that I accepted this date on which to do so

The paper and drawings have been prepared very hurriedly, due to the short timeavailable, and I would ask you to make allowances if at any time I fail to makemyself perfectly clear

It was my original intention to give a paper entirely on arresting apparatus, butI soon discovered that the arresting and alighting gears were too closely alliedto admit of separate treatment

Some of you may not be quite clear concerning the functioning of arresters, andso I will define an arrester as a means for braking the forward speed of theaircraft on landing with the object of minimising the length of run necessary topull up

With these explanations I will start my paper which I have entitled“Aircraft Alighting and Arresting Mechanisms”