Wind Gusts
This feature of aeronautics is particularly important, because any device which will give automatic stability when turning corners will go far toward making aviation a safe amusement. Inequalities of velocity exist not only on curves, but also when the wind is blowing at anything but uniform velocity across the whole front of the machine. The slightest “flaw” in the wind means an at least temporary variation in lifting force of the two arms. Here is a pregnant source of danger, and one which cannot be left for the aviator to meet by conscious thought and action. It is this, then, that blindfolds him: he cannot see the wind conditions in advance. The conditions are upon him, and may have done their destructive work, before he can prepare to control them. We must now study what these conditions are and what their influence may be on various forms of aerial navigation: after which, a return to our present subject will be possible.