Freedom Of The Air

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31006, 11 March 1966, Page 10

Freedom Of The Air

The Wellington enthusiasts whose radio-controlled model aircraft have crashed because of electrical interference with their signals are justifiably concerned over the activities of the unknown “ pirates “of the air ”. The frequencies used by model aircraft clubs are approved by the Post Office; they are in the same range as frequencies employed by industrial, scientific, and medical groups. Model aircraft clubs have satisfied the Post Office that they will not cause interference to other radio users; and they expect other users not to interfere with them.

The culprits are probably unintentional offenders. They are, almost certainly, inexperienced radio operators—perhaps farmers, tramping clubs, surf clubs or other users of newly-developed two-way radio systems. The use of radio equipment for such purposes is, of course, legitimate—provided the requirements of the Post Office as to frequency, location, and times of use are satisfied. Those who object to this “regimentation” should realise that the alternative is anarchy. Without strict control of radio broadcasting frequencies, as became evident in the 19205, neither the broadcasting stations nor their listeners would enjoy the “ freedom of the air ”. This freedom does not allow the use of any radio equipment which might interfere with flying aids near an airport, to take' one example. On a smaller scale, interference with television reception is also an abuse of the freedom of the air. The growing number of owners of television sets may, in due course, demand more rigid standards in the manufacture and use of motorcars, refrigerators, and other equipment which can distort television images.

All these regulations and restrictions, it is sometimes held, constitute gross interference with the liberty of the individual. But they are an inevitable consequence of scientific and industrial progress, which has brought the common man benefits he could not otherwise have attained. If a condition of the enjoyment of his new comforts and luxuries is some restriction on their use, he will concede that this is a modest price to pay. More than ever before, liberty must not be confused with licence.