What was the purpose of the Development of Landing Areas for National Defence (DLAND) appropriation?

The purpose of the Development of Landing Areas for National Defence (DLAND) appropriation was to create public-usable airport infrastructure specifically for national defense. This program was established in response to the need for ensuring that the United States had adequate and accessible landing facilities that could be utilized during times of crisis or conflict.

Focusing on public-use ensures that the infrastructure is not only available for military operations but also supports civilian aviation, combining the needs of national security with the benefits to general aviation. This dual-purpose approach enhances the usability of these landing areas and emphasizes their importance in a broader context beyond just military use.

Other options, while they represent different aspects of aviation infrastructure and policy, do not accurately reflect the primary aim of the DLAND appropriation. For example, establishing international flight routes is more related to global aviation policy and foreign relations rather than national defense infrastructure. Promoting private aviation generally does not align with the specific defense-oriented intent of the DLAND. Moreover, focusing solely on improvements for international airports would limit the broader scope of the DLAND, which aimed at enhancing facilities that serve both military and civilian purposes nationwide.