DP:PARTMENT of lands and forests for 1947 



DIMSION of air service 



As tlie tire hazard in the summer of 1946 was moderate, the Air Serxice 

 was not oxertaxed in its forest tire detection and suppression duties. 



The Department operated from ti\e winter stations; Smoke Lake (Algonciuin 

 Park), E\a Lake (Quetico Park), Geraldton, Gogama and Sioux Lookout. 

 The flying- was largely in connection with general forestry administration, 

 tish and wildlife, poaching, and emergency sickness and accident cases. 



Equipmoit 



Four new Norseman aircraft were purchased. 



The Department submitted specitications to the De Haxiliand Aircraft 

 Company of Canada for the building of a semi-transport type of plane. Company 

 engineers examined the specifications, and reports have been encouraging. 



Maintenance and Improvements 



Construction of an addition to the main hangar at Sault Ste. Marie has l)een 

 undertaken by the Department of Public Works to proxide storage for approxi- 

 mately tiftv aircraft. 



Co-operation icith the Royal Commission on Forestry, and other Covernment Depart- 

 ments. 



Assistance was accorded Dominion CoNernment entomologists in tlieir 

 forest insect infestation surveys. The agreement effected the prexious \'ear with 

 the Department of Health was extended to include the Proxincial Police. Co- 

 operation was continued with other Departments of the Ontario Cioxernment in 

 supplying their flxing needs, as required. 



In addition the Air Service supplied 272 hours of fl\-ing to the Ro\al Com- 

 mission on Forestry, which greatly expedited its work. 



Accidents 



It is a great j)lcasurc to icporl that there were no serious accidents to any 

 ot the .\ir -Serxice personnel during the xear. 



Statistics 



The following tables gixc details ol oj^eration: 



