October 25, 1965

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AVIONICS

Automation Reshapes Airline Management, Operations

Washington—Digital computers are revolutionizing the airline industry, converting what once was an intuitive, seat-of-the-pants operation into a business which is pioneering new scientific management techniques. U. S. airlines have an estimated $140 million invested in computers, according to the Air Transport Assn., and the figure is rising rapidly.

By Philip J. Klass18 min

174

AIRPORTS

Airport Congestion Is Forcing New Wave of Expansion

Los Angeles—Mounting terminal congestion, automotive as well as aircraft, is forcing operators of major United States airports and their airline tenants to begin a new wave of expansion. It is taking place at a time when airports are gaining a position of increasing significance as business centers, and considerable attention will have to be paid to the many airport-community interfaces.

By Harold D. Watkins17 min

PLANNING

Surge in World Airline Traffic Is Forcing Re-examination of Predicted Growth Rate

New York—Airline traffic that showed signs of reaching maturity in the late 1950s is giving robust evidence today that it still may be on the steeper slope of its growth curve. Because of the abrupt spurt in traffic that began in 1963, projections by airlines or transport manufacturers are undergoing revision, or at least getting a second look.

By William H. Gregory16 min

188

FUELS-LUBRICANTS

Turbine Fuels, Oils Keep Pace with Needs

New York—Improvements in aircraft turbine fuels and lubricants are managing to keep pace with the increasingly severe requirements of new jet engines despite early fears to the contrary. Most of the projected problems have proven significantly less severe than first anticipated.

148

SHORT HAUL JETS

Short-medium Versions Proliferating as Traffic Swells

Los Angeles—Competition and airline demand is producing a proliferation in shortand medium-haul jet transport versions that is taking on the complexion of the automotive model marketing system of a model for every taste. Swelling traffic has intensified the short-haul scramble since the first of this year.

By C. M. Plattner12 min

158

QUICK CHANGE AIRCRAFT

Quick-change Jet Sales Portend Broadened Cargo Service

Los Angeles—Mushrooming sales of quick-change short-to-medium range jet transports following the first order less than eight months ago portend a significant broadening of trunk carrier air cargo service in the next several years, particularly over shorter ranges.

140

POWERPLANTS

High-bypass Engines May Be Next Step

High bypass ratio subsonic turbofan engines up to 25% more efficient than present commercial jet engines and less costly to operate probably will become the next generation of airline gas turbine powerplants. Both General Electric Flight Propulsion Div. and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft planners and engineers are convinced that these engines will be built and put into operation before the supersonic transport engine is ready to fly.

By Michael Yaffee11 min

116

AVIONICS

Faa Begins Category 2 Airport Equipment Programs

Washington — Federal Aviation Agency is budgeted to outfit 30 major U. S. airports for Category 2 instrument landing operations, and it expects to have eight of these completed by early 1966. Technology to advance to Category 3 operations appears to be well in hand insofar as ground-based facilities are concerned.

134

SUPERSONIC TRANSPORT PROGRAMS

Delay Hampers U.s. Mach 2.7 Transport

Washington—U. S. will have a supersonic transport prototype flying in late 1969 or early 1970 if President Johnson approves construction by the end of next year. Assurance now is widespread in this country’s aviation community that the President will extend full government financial backing to development of a Mach 2.7 transport.

PLANNING

Government Pushing Harder for Fare Cuts

Washington—Civil Aeronautics Board’s intensified pressures for airline fare reductions represent a growing trend of government influence that will be felt not only by U.S. carriers, but also by overseas operators with routes to this country.

By James R. Ashlock10 min

October 181965

November 11965

October 25, 1965

October 25, 1965