The next attempt to establish effective co-ordination between the two air services was the creation of an Air Board.

The Air Board, Canada's first governing body for aviation, existed from 1919 to 1923.

On 5 March 1917 he became a member of the Air Board, eventually serving as controller of the technical department.

The Air Board took control of both stations.

In this capacity, Downes was answerable to the Air Board.

These went well and the aircraft was handed over to the Air Board in October 1917.

Six air stations were taken over or established by the Air Board in 1920-21 for civil flying operations.

The majority of the Air Board saw no reason to take such action, leaving Hewitt to append a dissenting note to its decision.

He was disappointed, however, by the limits imposed by the Air Board on career advancement for his personnel.

Despite attempts at reorganization of the Air Board, the earlier problems failed to be completely resolved.