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Aviation History
1913
1913 - 0100.PDF
(/SI JANUARY 25, 1913. ACCESSORIES FOR THE AVIATOR. WB have received from the General Aviation Contractors, Ltd., a proof of a very interesting catalogue they are about to issue. It sets forth the main characteristics of the many useful accessories relative to the proper clothing of the pilot, that Messrs. Roold, of Paris, for whom the " G.A.C." are agents, manufacture. The "Roold" The " Roold " map case, which is interesting in that it may be lengthened, by turning a thumbscrew, to twice size indicated in the photograph, thus showing a larger section of the map. safety helmet is one which is, perhaps, the best known in France. Over here in England, too, it is just as popular. Its construction is rather interesting. It has two strong shells made from a composition of cork and rubber, and between them metallic wool is packed. Out side it is covered with a washable material, so that it can always helmet, there can be not the slightest doubt. Many have been the accidents in which the life of the pilot has been saved by his helmet. It is curious, but nevertheless a fact, while on this point, that pilots in the past have had a dislike to wearing helmets. Perhaps it is that people who run risks never like to be reminded of them. Perhaps they disliked the helmet as being rather too conspicuous. That may be, but, after all, it is wiser to be prepared. The writer remembers an incident which has some bearing on this point. At the Bournemouth aviation meeting in 1910, Morane's friends, just before he started out on his flight round the Needles, were trying to get him to wear a helmet. He said he didn't like to—he preferred his check cap. No one else was wearing one—why should he ? So his friends went to Christiaens and, after much prevailing, at last got him to consent to wear one, so that they could point him out to Morane and get the last named pilot to wear his. Whether Morane did put his on or not the writer doesn't remember. But it was lucky Christiaens did, because soon after, flying with a passenger on his machine, he came down heavily on rough ground and was hurt. There was a nasty gash in his helmet. He can buy a new helmet, but he couldn't have bought a new head. Christiaens had cause to be thankful to Morane's friends. But to come back to the catalogue. A page or two further on, flying suits are illustrated—seventeen different styles in all—from suits of cat skin, suits of that thin shiny material, Papier du Japon, which Vedrines and Bielovucic wear, to the ordinary blue cotton boilersuits for mechanics. Quite an innovation are the chest and leg protectors that are made on the same principle as the helmets, and which are worn to prevent broken bones. There is also listed a special form of aeroplane seat of a similar character. Of goggles there is a large selection and one model, which brands the list as being well up-to-date, is specially devised for hydro-aeroplane work. It is fitted with a special shield which prevents the glasses from becoming splashed. Then there are map cases, gloves, boots, mufflers and all manner of things listed which will be of undoubted interest to the flying man, especially during this cold weather. Lastly, for £2 12s. 6d., the passenger carrier can buy an " Audiphone," which he can attach to his and his passenger's helmet and, with it, carry on conversation in comfort, undisturbed by the noise of the motor. be brought back to a presentable appearance if it becomes soiled ; inside it is carefully padded so that the helmet shall rest comfortably on the head. They are supplied now with a neck extension if required, and with a peak. Regarding the utility of the safety Altogether, the list is quite interesting and many pilots will, without question, see in its pages something they may fancy. The General Aviation Contractors, Ltd., will, undoubtedly, be pleased to send a copy to anyone interested. ».. « ® m AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN. Official Notices. Elections.—Member : A Gordon Bond. Students : Reginald Alston, Maurice Davidson, E. J. Lowe, J. T. Morton, A. Camden Pratt, and T. C. Thrupp. Meetings.—The fifth meeting of the Society for the present session will be held on Wednesday, January 29th, at 8.30 p.m., when Brigadier-General D. Henderson, D.S.O., C.B., will preside. Mr. Mervyn O'Gorman, M.I. M.E., A.F.Ae.S., will read a paper, followed by a discussion, on " Stability Devices for Aeroplanes." The sixth meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 12th, when Sir William White, K.C.B., F.R.S., will preside. Mr. L. Bairstow, A.R.C.Sc, will read a paper on " The Law of Similarity connecting Models and Full-sized Machines." Council Election.—Members are reminded that under the rules nominations of candidates for election to the Council must be received by the Secretary not later than 5th March, signed by two voters and no more, with an intimation in writing by the nominees that they are willing to serve. Fund for Mrs. Hardwick.—The Council hope that members will subscribe to the fund which has been opened for the widow of their late fellow member, Mr. A. Arkell Hardwick. Subscriptions may be sent to the officers of the Society. Associate Fellowship Election.—Application forms for the next election of Associate Fellows, which will take place in March, can now be obtained from the Secretary, and it should be noted that it is not necessary that the applicants should be members of the Society. Lectures.—In accordance with the educational policy of the Society lectures to various working men's clubs on the " Theory and Practice of Aviation " are being given by the Secretary. BERTRAM G. COOPER, Secretary. IOO
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