General Aviation Corp.

A fourth very great aviation group* took form last week when Fokker Aircraft Corp. changed its name to General Aviation Corp. and increased its capital shares from 1,000,000 to 5,000,000. Next step is to buy the Fokker manufacturing units of Fokker Aircraft and the Dornier Co. of America. Purpose of General Aviation is to hold control of air producing and operating concerns. So, because Harris M. Hanshue is president of Western Air Express as well as of General Aviation, Western Air Express' inclusion is in prospect. So too is Bendix Aviation Corp.'s, because General Motors, which controls Bendix dominates General Aviation and Dornier.

Bendix last week bought control of Charles Cory & Sons Corp. (marine signalling, communicating and lighting systems). This makes General Motors great on land, in air, at sea.

French Subsidies

Everywhere an infant industry, commercial aviation depends partially upon government support. The U. S., opposed to the principle of subsidy, helps its air line operators with mail contracts. Abroad, heavy subventions are accorded manufacturers, transport operators.

Last week the French Ministry of Air extended its aid to French citizens and flying clubs who buy domestic models designed less than six years ago and built since Jan. 1, 1930, provided the planes be operated not for profit.

Subsidies range from 8,000 francs (about $315) for land planes of any type, to 34,000 francs ($1,330) for three-place seaplanes. Other subsidies are offered for engines between 40 and 100 h. p., and for hours of flight up to 250.

* The other three: United Aircraft, Curtiss-Wright, Detroit Aircraft.

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