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Aviation History
1913
1913 - 0318.PDF
1/ycHTj MARCH 22, 1913. As for the accuracy and merit of the work itself that is carried out at the N.P.L., there can be no question ; we firmly believe that it is the most accurate aerodynamic research that is carried out anywhere in the world. It was, however, by no means a necessary consequence that the results of this work should be so clearly set forth for the benefit ol others, and while the Aeronautics " blue book " has many contributors whose names we have not mentioned and whose work is equally import ant and well described, we desire on this occasion more particularly to record our appreciation of the merit of tin- matter for which the aeronautics staff of the National Physical Labpratory is directly responsible. Modern Tuition. while this may seem reasonable to those with inside knowledge of the movement, the simplicity of selection is doubtless far less apparent to a member of the outside public who makes up his mind to fly. He has a right to expect reasonable equality of opportunity and we are inclined to feel that the time has arrived when he has the further right to expect some protection of his interests by the organisation that is avowedly in a position of authority. In short, we believe the matter is one in which the Aero Club might reasonably be expected to interest themselves along lines similar to those followed by the Royal Automobile Club in con nection with schools of motoring. There were many complaints of a similar kind in this connection some years A letter elsewhere from a pupil who signs ago, and there is now no doubt that the concern that the himself " Ground Pilot " will be read with R.A.C. took in the matter had a very beneficial influence interest by all, and answered, we trust, by all round. The Royal Aero Club issues pilot's certifi- a good many. It relates to a matter of considerable cates. We suggest that it might with advantage seriously lrnportance, for our correspondent criticises the establish- consider the question of issuing instructor's certificates, ment of some of the flying schools and argues that the and that it might further issue and annually confirm methods in vogue, so far from popularising aviation are certificates to schools possessing approved tuition in fact deterring more widespread advance. facilities. The question is one that deserves to be ventilated in It may be said that it is early days to interfere in public and we hope that those who conduct schools for these matters, but it is never too early to check justifiable the tuition of pilots will not hesitate to come forward and dissatisfaction that is likely to interfere with the take interested people into their confidence as to the true popularity of flying. If all the schools in the country nature of the facts. We should have been less inclined were thoroughly popular and thoroughly efficient it to publish the letter in question had it not been that we would be an immense stimulus to aviation and have received complaints of a like nature before, although incidentally it would, we think, do a great deal towards not always couched in equally reasonable language. In placing the Royal Flying Corps reserve on a more most cases, the main point of discord is that many so- satisfactory footing than it is at present. called schools are in reality testing centres for finished Not only should we like to see far more aerodromes in machines and that the tuition part of the business is different parts of the country, but we should like to see merely incidental to the other occupation. them existing under the stimulus of a genuine enthusiasm. Problems of this sort commonly resolve themselves If the Government is really serious in respect to the into a question of finance. The pupil, even when he is reserve pilots, it might do much that it has not yet "willing to qualify himself at considerable expense," attempted to do towards that end by encouraging a little commonly has a keen eye to an apparent difference in esprit dc corps in the various flying centres. It is of charges, and it may be that through one cause and interest to the nation and, indeed, it will in time become another, tuition at the current rates is not the profitable a matter of absolute necessity to have a sufficient number business that our correspondent imagines it to be. We of suitable aerodromes in different parts of the country, have, indeed, heard manufacturers aver as much, but we If the Government took more interest in those that should like to see them come forward now with a few already exist it would pave the way to the establishment definite statements as to the real position. If it is not of others. It would cost the Government very little to profitable to do the thing properly it is only natural that maintain a few sheds at each of the aerodromes in the it should not be done well. On the other hand, some country and it would encourage pilots to join the reserve schools do appear to be run properly, as our corre- if they could house their aeroplanes in the Government spondent admits, so the question arises as to whether or sheds for a nominal charge. By some initial move of not these schools are profitable and if so why others are this character the first steps of a progressive development less profitable or, being as profitable, are run less well. might be taken, and we commend it to the consideration It may be argued, of course, that the pupil has only of those concerned with the adequacy of our aerial himself to blame if he chooses the wrong place, but forces. ® 0 ® ® THINGS WE SHOULD LIKE TO KNOW. WHKTHKR serial defence is wanted or not. If the hand that ought to rule the world is too busy rocking the cradle. *•*•*_! ? ? ? Why the expected million only came to .£501,000. THE LAND THAT GOD MADE. This is the land that God made. These are our ministers wealthy born, who sit long hours and the " house" adorn, who make big laws but pull no corn, for the good of the land that God made. We are the people all forlorn, who are willing to pay though tatter'd and torn, who put these ministers wealthy born, to sit in the " house" and it adorn, to make good laws and pull some corn, for the good of the land that God made. These are our " Tommies "all heroes born, who often rise before the dawn, to practise flying at chilly morn, for the sake of the people all forlorn, who put the ministers wealthy born, to sit in the "house"and it adorn, who'll wake one morn to rave and storm, when they've lost the land that God made. " Wll.L-0'-THE-WlSF." Have they something up their sleeve besides a handkerchief. 7 ? T If they are in the " know," but for obvious reasons cannot tell us, due ihiy say straight out that it is " all right." v * y Should we l>elieve them if they did. ? ? ? Is .£501,000 better than nothing, or a sheer waste of money. t T ? Whither half a loaf is better than no bread to feed a multitude. Whether Col. Seely's speech at the Aero Club dinner was made in all good faith, and if so hasn't sonalxvdv " let him down." 324
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