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Aviation History
1920
1920 - 0092.PDF
Manifestly it is impossible to experiment along the only lines which would definitely inform us as to which is right, and we have thus to fall back upon what experience there is, backed up by the soundest theory we can evolve. As to the first, there are very many officers and ex-officers of the R.A.F. with parachute experience which should prove of interest and use in^the matter and it is to them we look to place their experience at the disposal of those who are seeking a solution of the problems of aerial life- saving. Needless to say, our correspondence columns are open to them, or to anyone who has either know- ledge or theory which will assist in clearing up a question which is at least controversial. • • «»• According to a correspondent of the "Made Daily Express the Germans, with Germany" characteristic lack of imagination, are doing their best to kill the aircraft industry which they are apparently so keen to foster. This correspondent states that in Warsaw recently two German passenger machines fell to pieces in the air, killing all their occupants. In Denmark, within a few weeks, no fewer than five German two-seater machines have collapsed at varying heights and the pilots and passengers killed. In Holland a two-seater Rumpler caught fire in the air and crashed, causing the deaths of the Dutch pilot and his passenger. Not at all a bad record ! It would seem that the arixiety of the German Government to get rid of their surplus war machines is at the root of the trouble. These are being sold by the Government for freight and passenger work, care- less of the facts that not only are the machines essentially unsuitable for the purpose, but that they have seriously deteriorated in construction since the Armistice put them out of fighting commission. Large numbers of these obsolete fighting machines have been sold to Scandinavia, Holland and Switzerland, where their low price has found them a ready market. It is, says the Express, possible to buy a Rumpler for £40, the price including a spare engine ! The tol of accidents is regrettable, not only on account of the loss of life, but for the bad reflex it is bound to have on the development of commercial aviation. Whether that point of view appeals to the German Government or not we da not know, but it is one that in the interests of the German aircraft industry we should have thought would have occurred to them. On other counts it is impossible not to feel some slight satisfaction at the way the Germans seem to be giving away their own show. A few more crashes and the old term of contempt, " Made in Germany," will be held to mean that German aircraft are to be avoided as something too shoddy and too dangerous to touch, even if they were given away. On the principle that it is an ill-wind that blows no one any good, this should create an opportunity for the British manufacturer and his machine. The latter cannot be purchased for £40, even without the spare engine, but it is at least safe, as the Atlantic and Australian flights, to say nothing of such less spectacular matters as the Continental mail services, have amply demonstrated. After their experience with these out of date Hun machines, our friends the neutrals in the Great War will very possibly be ready to listen to constructors whose machines can be depended upon not to crumple in the air. But they will not listen unless the British industry is prepared with the necessary propaganda. We need scarcely emphasise the point.. . _ ."*"-." :;•••'.*>»• , JANUARY 22, 1920 We understand that there is still a Recruiting number of skilled tradesmen required : RJV..F? f°r tne Royal Air Force. The demand for men is occasioned by the vacancies "',. which will be created by the demobilisation of the R.A.F. of the Army of Occupation, which will take place during the ensuing three months. The Force is .,- open to skilled and physically fit men between the ages of 18 and 28-—ex-Service men will be enlisted up ~ to 38—who can engage for any of the following periods : four years with the Colours and eight with the Reserve ; six years Colour service and a similar term in the Reserve ; or eight years with the Colours and four Reserve service. There is no doubt the R.A.F. presents many attrac- tions to the young and ambitious man who is master of a trade. The pay is good, while in the case of men-.,., with dependants the question of separation allowance is now under review by the Air Ministry. There is also the highly important fact to be -considered that the men, whatever the trade of the individual, are certain of being employed at their own work, so that while they are serving they are getting a thorough insight and a really up-to-date knowledge and ex- perience of that trade which must be of inestimable advantage to them on returning to civilian life. Add to this that the man is getting decent pay, good food and all clothing and lodging, and it is certain that many a poor harassed taxpayer would be glad, could he get rid of his obligations, to exchange places. Unquestionably the Service has a powerful call. It is an entirely different affair from what it was before the War, when the pay was shockingly inadequate and the professional soldier was regarded as more or less of a pariah—until he was needed to fight his country's battles. Now the pay is better and conditions all round have immeasurably improved while, the whole nation having been under arms, the soldier is honoured instead of being an object of almost pitying contempt. Indeed, when we review all the many advantages of the Service, we could find it in our heart to wish we were within the age limits for recruiting. At least we should be sure of decent quarters and ample and good food—and should escape the tax-gatherer. Tne There seems to have been a good deal of intelligent anticipation at work lately. ^Vh It has been announced in several places Airships that arrangements have been actually concluded between the Government and a powerful combination of shipping and armament interests to take over certain of the rigid airships • from the Air Ministry and to forthwith commence with them airship services to Holland, Scandinavia and Spain ; to run a weekly Transatlantic service ; and to institute shorter services in the British Isles. It is perfectly true that negotiations have been pro- ceeding along the indicated lines ever since the con- ference at Australia House, at which Gen. Seely acted as the representative of the Government, to lay the views of the latter before those interested in the development of commercial aviation. It may be -. that these negotiations are on the point of fructifying. It is equally possible that .all the services prophesied * may come to pass within the current year, but it is - still true that they are still in the undecided stage. We may say that all of these services—and more besides, such as a regular service from England to Egypt and from Marseilles to India—have been dis- cussed and plans made and costs ascertained so far as "; ,„ ,. *. - -' -
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