$300 fine

One hundred thousand people awaiting the arrival of the principals in the Firpo-Willard boxing match were entertained by an aeronaut who released large masses of advertising bills so that they were carried by the wind into the arena. As the current overhead was strong and steady, he found that best results could be obtained by zooming close to the east side of the stands. Those near him booed; those on the west side of the arena applauded his marksmanship and scrambled for the advertisements.

Whenever he skirted close to the crowd he came equally near to violating Chapter 124 of the Laws of 1921 of the State of New Jersey, which was one of the first attempts to regulate traffic in the air. It prohibits flying "at an altitude of less than two thousand feet" over a field used for exhibitions and demonstrations. But it does not clearly cover some parts of the fields where crowds may be collected--outside the entrances, or where the cars are parked--and provides for the absurd fine of not less than $300, or 90 days in jail.

Several other states have similar laws; still others have laws of greater stringency. In California and Connecticut aeroplanes must be licensed and must carry registration numbers at least three feet in height. A large number of states, from Maine to Oregon, require that operators be licensed, and in Maine and some other jurisdictions stunt flying is barred except under certain special conditions.

Statutes are now required to place some responsibilities on the aviator. If he falls, through his negligence, he must pay for the damages caused by his plane, including even that brought about by the crowd of the curious that may collect.

The citizen on the ground is, therefore, in a fair way to being protected, although Connecticut is apparently the only state that specifically prohibits the dropping of advertisements and other matter from the air.