The Chairman, in introducing the Author, said that the occasion was a very auspicious one, in that a paper was being presented by one of the founder members of the Association at a Joint Meeting with the Royal Aeronautical Society, with which the Association maintained the closest of links On behalf of the Association he welcomed the fact that a joint meeting was being held, and he welcomed those members of the Society who were present to hear a paper and discussion on a specialised helicopter subject In particular he welcomed the President of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Mr E T Jones

The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said it was a matter of major importance to all concerned not only to have suitable helicopters to use, but also to ensure that when the operators got them they were capable of being used in such a way as to make nonsense of the frequently heard comment that there was no economic future in scheduled operations It was, of course, a fact that unless helicopters could be operated round the clock, in foul weather as well as fair, by night as well as day, like normal means of transport, then they would not take their rightful place in the general transportation set-up

In a short time from now the civil licenced helicopter will be required to include among its capabilities the ability to operate in Instrument Flight conditions to lower limits than those currently laid down for fixed-wing aircraft operations

At the moment I estimate that the problem is roughly half solved and, if there is a helicopter suitable for city centre operations by 1961, the aids and equipment under development should be able to give safe flight conditions in 150 feet ceilings and 150 yard visibilities