The A-B-C of Aviation (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918 edition. Excerpt: ... nose dive." The tail spin is not dangerous to an experienced pilot if there is sufficient altitude to correct the machine's tendency to fall. In fact, in acrobatic flying, tail spins are very common and are used as a method of losing altitude. A tail spin is usually started by excessive banking with too much rudder, and the nose end of the machine falling, due to stalling or engine faults. Under these circumstances the ailerons and elevators are useless, for the air does not strike their under surface, but their edges. The best control method to counteract a tail spin is to set the control lever regulating on the ailerons and elevator in a vertical position and to put all possible rudder on in the direction opposite to that in which you are spinning, even though both feet must be used on one side of the rudder bar to exert the proper pressure. The rudder should be held in that position and the motor run on full throttle to supply all the possible air pressure. If there is sufficient altitude the machine will gradually straighten itself out and as soon as you realize that the rudder is functioning properly the same degree of control may be regained by using the elevators and ailerons in order to bring the machine to its proper flying position. Flying Learned Only by Practice.--The point that must be borne in mind by all students of aviation is that it is not possible to learn to fly by reading a book, any more than it is to learn to swim or to ride a bicycle by the same method. A certain co-operation of the senses to produce the required sense of balance is necessary and only practice under the tutelage of a competent pilot will enable the aviator to fly. There have been exceptional cases of when men have taught themselves to fly, as...