Advanced Flying

CHAPTER XII
Advanced Flying
Aerobatics and Night Flights

From "PRACTICAL AVIATION
including
Construction and Operation"

By
J. ANDREW WHITE
Author of "Signal Corps Manual"
Director of Vocational Training, Marconi Institute
—
Copyright 1918
BY
WIRELESS PRESS, Inc.

   The course of training which leads to a rating as Military Aviator is known as advanced flying. It consists generally of effecting landings among obstacles and difficult turns, high altitude flights and long cross-country flights; in fact, in acquiring great skill in handling the airplane. Beyond this training lies the acrobacy of the air, termed aerobatics, stunt flying which at first appears foolhardy but has an exceptional value in war where fast machines are engaged in combat.
   Ascents to 10,000 feet or more may be classed as advanced flying, although these climbs present few difficulties and little danger. On the assumption that all aviators are plentifully supplied with courage, climbing for the first time to high altitudes is largely a matter of patience.
   A pertinent suggestion to novices in lofty climbing is not to imagine the engine is stalling as height increases; the rarefied atmosphere will require less steep climb in higher altitudes, but that is a matter for adjustment, the best angle for the particular machine being determined by the aviator's observation of altimeter and watch, and their relation to the airplane's flight efficiency.
   Descent from the first 10,000-foot flight is best made slowly, so the aviator may become accustomed to variations in air pressure. Any discomfort in breathing can usually be relieved by swallowing at frequent intervals. It is advisable, too, when the airplane has come within 1,000 feet of the ground, to circle once over the flying field for the purpose of refreshing the memory on the appearance of the ground at that height.