Law, Science and Aeronautics are defined in broad terms and some landmarks are outlined in the history of control of aeronautics by legal means.

The exercise of national sovereignty often means that relevant laws are a serious limiting operational parameter. This and other factors may hinder the development of international air transport (especially supersonic aircraft) and may thus threaten the livelihood of aeronautical scientists.

When aviation accidents occur, the operation of rules which determine “legal liability” may thrust an unfair financial burden on sections of the community which may be blameless from a scientific point of view. Suggestions for the future are made.

Scientific exploration into outer space provides a crucial opportunity for the nations of the world to co-ordinate the disciplines of science, law and politics in a way never before possible. Members of the Royal Aeronautical Society cannot afford to ignore this challenge and a practical suggestion is made as a first step in implementation.