Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 July 2016
Throughout the world helicopters are being operated in a variety of roles today and, whereas ten years ago, there was not one type which had got beyond the stage of being an inventor's plaything, several types are now suitable for regular military and civil operations. At present, so far as is known to the author, public transport services using helicopters are confined to charters and scheduled mail services, with the exception of a scheduled passenger service which has been run by the British European Airways Corporation as an operational experiment since June 1950. The factors, both technical and economic, which have so far prevented the large scale introduction of public transport helicopter services, are being progressively overcome and in due course operators will find that manufacturers have made available suitable aircraft. The operators' task will then be to fly these aircraft in a safe and regular manner and give the public the best service possible.
A Section Lecture given on 14th November 1950 —The 808th Lecture to be read before the Society. Mr. Whitby is Assistant to the Controller, Research and Special Development, British European Airways.