Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 52.djvu/1021

 PUBLIC LAWS-CH. 601 -JUNE 23, 1938 "Public aircraft. " "United States. " Declaration of pol- icy. Public right of transit. Title II-Organiza- tion of Authority. Creation. Appointment of members. Composition, terms of office, etc. (b) the Canal Zone, but nothing herein shall impair or affect the jurisdiction which has heretofore been, or may hereafter be, granted to the President in respect of air navigation in the Canal Zone; (c) the Philippine Islands, except that the operation of civil aircraft within the jurisdiction of the Philippine Islands shall be governed by laws enacted by the legislature of the islands and by executive regulations designating air-space reservations or other prohibited areas; and (d) all other possessions of the United States. (30) "Public aircraft" means an aircraft used exclusively in the service of any government or of any political subdivision thereof including the government of any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, but not including any government-owned aircraft engaged in carrying persons or property for commercial purposes. (31) "United States" means the several States, the District of Columbia, and the several Territories and possessions of the United States, including the Territorial waters and the overlying air space thereof. DECLARATION OF POLICY SEC. 2. In the exercise and performance of its powers and duties under this Act, the Authority shall consider the following, among other things, as being in the public interest, and in accordance with the public convenience and necessity- (a) The encouragement and development of an air-transportation system properly adapted to the present and future needs of the foreign and domestic commerce of the United States, of the Postal Service, and of the national defense; (b) The regulation of air transportation in such manner as to recognize and preserve the inherent advantages of, assure the highest degree of safety in, and foster sound economic conditions in, such transportation, and to improve the relations between, and coordinate transportation by, air carriers; (c) The promotion of adequate, economical, and efficient service by air carriers at reasonable charges, without unjust discriminations, undue preferences or advantages, or unfair or destructive competitive practices; (d) Competition to the extent necessary to assure the sound develop- ment of an air-transportation system properly adapted to the needs of the foreign and domestic commerce of the United States, of the Postal Service, and of the national defense; (e) The regulation of air commerce in such manner as to best promote its development and safety; and (f) The encouragement and development of civil aeronautics. PUBLIC RIGHT OF TRANSIT SEC. 3. There is hereby recognized and declared to exist in behalf of any citizen of the United States a public right of freedom of transit in air commerce through the navigable air space of the United States. TITLE II-ORGANIZATION OF AUTHORITY CREATION OF AUTHORITY Appointment of Members of Authority SEC. 201. (a) An agency is created and established to be known as the "Civil Aeronautics Authority" which shall be composed of five members who shall be appointed by the President, by and with [52 STAT.

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