Learning to fly in the U.S. Army

by E. N. Fales

Remove propeller.

Unfasten control wires.

Unfasten main planes from fuselage and dismantle on ground.

Remove tail surfaces.

Unless machine is to be placed in box, landing gear and tail skid should remain attached to fuselage.

If the machine is crated it should be handled when shipped the same as described above. If, however, it is to be loaded without being crated, then the following procedure should be observed. Using two planks, 2 in. by 12 in. by 18 ft. long for runway from ground into car, load machine into car, engine first. Block wheels to prevent machine shifting. Secure fuselage, tail end, to the floor of the car by means of ropes passed over the fuselage and fastened to the floor with cleats. The wings should be crated against the sides of car and secured by wires, ropes or canvas strips. All boxes should be marked with name of organization, destination, weight, cubic contents, hoisting centers, number of box, “This Side Up,” etc. A shipping memorandum should always be made out and mailed to destination when shipment goes forth.

Storing of Airplanes and Parts at Bases and in Fields.—Airplanes when not in active flying duty are stored in hangars or sheds especially adapted to house them. Under certain conditions it is necessary to store them in the open. In each case particular precautions should be observed in order not to subject the machines to unnecessary wear and tear.

Since moisture is one of the airplanes’ worst enemies in that it deteriorates the weatherproofing and the fabric, distorts and otherwise injures the wooden parts of the machines and worst of all, rusts the metal parts, the first consideration for proper storage facilities should be the absence of moisture. Next, extreme heat and cold are a menace to airplanes. The temperature of the air surrounding them while in storage should be regulated as much as possible. Under shelter, especially when the machine is to be out of active service for 48 hr. or more, the entire machine should be raised off the ground a few inches so that the wheels are free and the flexible connections released. This is done by the points where the undercarriage struts meet the skids. Furthermore, the wings might well be supported and the weight thus taken off the landing wires, and hinge connections by placing padded trestles underneath the wing skids. Care should be exercised that dirt, grease, water, etc., does not accumulate in any part of the airplane.

Furthermore, all water should be drained from the radiator and gasoline from the gasoline tank. The propeller should be placed in a vertical position and covered with a weatherproof cloth. The engine cockpit and instruments should all be covered and the magneto should be enclosed in a thick layer of felt or cotton waste. If any fluid is apt to freeze, and oil will freeze in temperatures low enough, it should be carefully drained.

When spare parts such as wings, struts, fuselages, etc., are stored, the same general precautions outlined above should be observed. Spare planes particularly should be placed in such a manner that their weight is evenly supported. Never should planes of any kind be laid flat on the ground. They should always stand edgewise, with the leading edge down, supported several inches off the ground on blocks or boards evenly spaced. One plane must not be allowed to lean against another. In fact, the best way is to suspend planes by means of canvas slings hung from overhead. Within the loop of the slings there must be a batten about 2½ in. wide.