NATIONAL AERIAL COAST PATROL COMMISSION Important grouping of over 30 letters concerning early affairs of the National Aerial Coast Patrol Commission an organization headed by Adm. Richard Peary which hoped to use civilian aircraft flown by experienced and newly-licensed pilots to patrol the American coastline for enemy vessels and submarines. The letters about 40pp. 4to. date from 1916-18 and almost all are on the organization's letterhead and are signed by Secretary Earl H. Smith. Topics include licensing civilian aviators military officers to be used to staff the organization and possible candidates raising funds to purchase aircraft aeronautics legislation and aircraft production meetings with Peary publicizing the cause etc. Very good. In early 1916 Admiral Robert Peary became chairman of the National Aerial Coast Patrol Commission a private organization created by the Aero Club of America. It advocated the use of aircraft in detecting warships and submarines off the U.S. coast. Peary used his celebrity to promote the use of military and naval aviation which led directly to the formation of Naval Reserve aerial coastal patrol units during the First World War. The Civil Air Patrol also resulted from Peary's early revelation.