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568 ILLUSTRATED WORLD
surprisingly large numbers in the various
aviation journals and other magazines
devoted to the science. One or two of
the big aircraft manufacturers also run
aviation schools in conjunction with their
main enterprise.
One of the problems that has bothered
both those ordering aeroplanes and those
COPYRIGHT UNDERWOOD & UNDERWOOD
with good heads, good physique and
steady nerves. Promotion in a growing
service like this is sure to be rapid.
Those who qualify now stand a fair
chance to win officers' commissions ultimately.
Those who wish further information
concerning this should write to Chief
Signal Officer, War Department, Washington,
D. C. Instruction may be had at
EXPLAINING THE ELEVATOR
This is the plane which when lifted makes an aeroplane climb; also it is the part which a novice is most apt to manage
unskilfully. One common fault—it shows up weekly at any flying field—is that beginners usually attempt to climb
while they are "banking," i. e., turning with their planes tipped sidewise. This usually causes a disastrous side-slip.
engaged in instruction work has been the
lack of standardized machines. Last
year one big factory turned out in response
to orders twenty-eight hundred
varying sizes and specifications in bolts
alone. This situation is not only very
undesirable, but really unnecessary. It
undoubtedly will be modified in time.
So far the governmental schools have
been limited not only in numbers, but
in accommodations for handling many
pupils. Scarce as is the regular army
service, infantry, artillery, cavalry in
officers to train and maneuver troops,
the aviation branch is far more seriously
handicapped. Officers are scarce, yet it
is a branch of the service that offers
splendid opportunities for young men
one of the several Federal aviation stations.
Certain developments in the autumn
of 1916 gave considerable encouragement
to those interested in practical
aeronautics. First of all there was the
flight of Carlstrom, no mean feat in
itself, though quickly eclipsed by the
phenomenal trip of Ruth Law from Chicago
to Governor's Island in New York
harbor.
The peculiar significance of her feat
consists in this: that a woman of slight
strength and build (Miss Law weighs
only 120 pounds) was able, in a thirtyhorsepower
machine, without wind
shield and protected only by heavy
clothing—in short, hardly better equipped