"Take the Stick"

An automobile may be sold because the buyer's wife likes the color of the paint, the feel of the upholstery, the glitter of the nickel-plated gadgets; but more probably because the demonstrator can say to the buyer, "Now, just slide over here and take the wheel yourself."

Last month the makers of airplanes asked a like privilege of the Department of Commerce (TIME, Oct. 6). How, they asked, can you interest a non-flying man in buying an airplane, or in learning to fly, unless you can let him feel for himself how easy and pleasant it is? Last week Assistant Secretary of Commerce Clarence Marshall Young conceded the manufacturers' point, rescinded the rule which had forbidden all but licensed pilots and holders of student permits from taking the stick of licensed planes in flight. Hereafter a transport pilot regularly employed by an accredited manufacturer, dealer or school may let a prospective buyer or student handle the controls, provided no money is collected for the demonstration flight.

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