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Aviation History
1934
1934 - 1298.PDF
1302 FLIGHT DECEMBER 6, 1934. WAI A SECTION FOR OWNER-PILOTS AND CLUB MEHBERS ONE cannot leave the subject of private flying in Con-tinental countries recently visited without referringto the growth of gliding and soaring. In this direc- tion, of course, Germany is pre-eminent. Motorless flying, which is at once a sport and an aid to science, has many aspects of usefulness, and this is everywhere becom- ing more and more keenly realised. In its simplest form it inculcates the fundamentals of flying in an economical way, and pilots of power-driven aircraft with years of experience can learn much (e.g., guarding against certain emergencies) from the study and practice of soaring. The technique of motorless flying is constantly improv- ing. With the various methods of launching now practised, the early limi- tations of location no longer restrict glid- ing and soaring to hilly surroundings. Towed launching by motor car and by aircraft makes possible the practice of sailplaning from level sites. As an example of what can be done in these conditions, one may instance the flights accomplished in this country a few years ago by Herr Kronfeld. In order to demonstrate the possibility of thermal soaring over flat country, Herr Kronfeld undertook several flights in his wonderful sailplane, the Wien, which had been presented to him by the citizens of Vienna in recog- nition of his ability as a pilot of motorless aircraft. These flights commenced at the London Air Park at Hanworth, where the Wien was towed to a height of 1,200 feet, and then cast loose. On the first occasion Kronfeld was able to cl'.mb continuously up to 4,300 feet and remain in the air in tht vicinity of London for several hours, landing eventu- ally at Chatham. Repeating the performance on the follow- ing day, he found conditions less favourable, and, losing height, looked round for a suitable field in which to alight. In recounting this experience, he tells us that while thus occupied he came over a cornfield which reflected the heat of the sun, and over which a strong upward current was noticeable. Making use of this, he was able to make con- tact with a large cumulus cloud, which enabled him to reach a height of over 3,000 feet. On this occasion he fol- lowed a course as far as Biggin Hill Aerodrome, and was able to make the return flight via Croydon, and land again at his starting-point at Hanworth. British ProgressT HE very praiseworthy performances of our own leading sailplane pilots during the past year have given new life to British motorless flying. The enthusiasm is there, and the support now assured by the decision of the Govern- ment to lend financial aid will, it is hoped, place Eritish gliding and soaring on a sound basis. Before referring more specifically to the progress in various countries, it may be worth while to indicate the international method of grading the ability of gliding and soaring pilots. The progressive stages of qualification recognised by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale are marked by the issue of three classes of certificate : "A," " B," and "C." To obtain an " A " certificate the NOTES by LORD SEMP1LL A.F.C., F.R.Ae.S. glider pilot has to do a straight flight of not less than thirty seconds. To qualify in the " B " class two flights of forty- five seconds' duration must be made, followed by a one- minute full figure "S" turn. The "C" certificate necessitates a flight of five minutes above the level of the starting point. A further mark of high qualification, which is not yet recognised by the F.A.I., is awarded to sailplane pilots who have proved their ability after a much more searching test. What is known as the " Silver ' C ' " cer- tificate is issued by the International Studiekomission fur den Motorlosen Flug, a body with headquarters in Germany which invites international co-operation in technical re- search on matters concerning motorless flight. To qualify for this distinction the pilot must have achieved a soaring flight of not less than fifty kilometres in a straight line ; one of five hours' dura- tion and one altitude flight exceeding one thousand metres above the starting level. Two of these tests can be com- bined in one flight, but not all three. Certificates for gliding and soaring, differing in this respect from those issued to pilots of power-driven aircraft, do not require renewal. The figures given below are based on those issued, and cannot therefore be taken as truly indicative. There is little doubt that motorless flying has reached the highest pitch of organisation in Germany. I cannot refer to all the activity taking place in Europe beyond indicating that few countries have not realised to some extent the importance of encouraging this branch of flying. Great strides are reported in Russia, but comparable figures are not available, as the U.S.S.R. does not belong to the F.A.I. Compared with British gliding certificates issued, which at present number 391 " A," 183 "B," and 103 "C," the German figures are very impressive, being: 7,690 "A," 5,750 "B," and 2,410 "C" licences. In contrast, the position at the end of 1933 in France was more comparable with that in this country, the figures being: 344 "A," 160 " B," and 58 "C." Belgium has several active groups, the certificates issued being: no "A," 45 " B," and 15 "C." Means io an End """THE pre-eminence of Germany, as far as post-war gliding *• is concerned, is no doubt largely due to the urge for national service arising out of the limitation placed on the development of aviation in that country by the terms of the Versailles Treaty. In France and Italy gliding is also looked upon as a means to an end. In the former country the possesiion of a " B " licence enables an applicant desir- ous of undergoing his military service in the Air Force to obtain entry with a lower standard of educational qualifi- cation than would otherwise be possible. In Italy, too, the main purpose of gliding instruction, which is encouraged by the State, is that it shall serve as a preparation for engined flight, which explains the small number of "C" licences obtained. It is, perhaps, difficult for those who have not contacted the gliding movement closely to realise its potentiality.
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