NO. 12 CHARLES DOOLITTLE WALCOTT 1 3 



sentatives of the industry explained their difficulties. Three notable 

 results followed ; first, the representatives, who had seen each other 

 as a group for the first time, became acquainted ; second, the industry- 

 began to work on definite problems ; and last, the National Advisory 

 Committee for Aeronautics saw the need of a sub-committee on power 

 plants, and one was formed immediately so as to supervise systematic 

 investigations on the subject. When the demand arose for the Liberty 

 Engine, the way had been cleared. 



The second conference, or rather, series of conferences, was called 

 to discuss the difficulties which had arisen out of the patent situation. 

 The army and the navy were in despair over the failure to have their 

 orders for airplanes filled. This was in January, 1917. The immediate 

 result of the conferences was the creation of a " cross-license agree- 

 ment," under which the industry began to operate and has continued 

 to do so. 



The third conference referred to was in March, 191 7, when the 

 days before the declaration of war could be numbered. The outstand- 

 ing problem then was production ; the capacity of the existing plants, 

 their capability to expand, the supply of raw material, etc. The 

 immediate result of the meeting was the formation by the National 

 Advisory Committee for Aeronautics of a sub-committee on produc- 

 tion, to cooperate with the industry. It soon became evident that the 

 task of organizing production was a gigantic one ; and, on the initiative 

 of Doctor Walcott, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics 

 adopted a resolution, recommending to the Council of National 

 Defense that it form an Aircraft Production Board. This was done; 

 and later, when the magnitude of the undertaking was appreciated 

 more fully, this board was made an independent organization and 

 called the Aircraft Board. 



These conferences are mentioned particularly to show Dr. Wal- 

 cott's grasp of the situation, the use he made of the National Advisory 

 Committee for Aeronautics, and his power to secure results. He was 

 indeed a wonderful chairman of a conference. He could state a 

 question clearly, and could by his courtesy, fairness and eagerness to 

 help, secure the cooperation of all present. Discordant elements came 

 together under this influence ; all agreed to help. ]\Iost important of 

 all, results were always accomplished. 



Before speaking of the scientific work of the committee, which was 

 in the end Doctor Walcott's chief interest, reference should be made 

 to the fact that it was he who first clearly formulated a policy for the 

 control and encouragement of commercial aviation. This was in 1919 ; 

 and his work bore full fruit in the Air Commerce Act of 1926. 



