Captain C. C. Culver, U. S. Cavalry, Adjutant, Aviation School, with a parachute in his hand, having word with Captain L. W. Patterson, U. S. A., before the latter’s flight. The object of the parachute is to determine changing wind-direction at different heights.
The airplane wireless record is now held by Captain Culver. In October, 1916, he sent a message 119 miles from Santa Monica to San Diego, California, while flying at an altitude of 1½ miles. He received a radio message from a distance of 11 miles while flying 7,000 feet aloft. He is also the first military aviator to rig up two airplanes so that they could exchange messages while in flight. The radio set used weighed less than forty-five pounds.
Fig. 9. Lieutenant Gorrell, U. S. Infantry, As Observer
Photographed October, 1915
The noise of the motor, together with the terrific blast of air, makes conversation impossible between the pilot and observer; for that reason telephones are sometimes installed as noted in this photograph.
Lieut. Edgar S. Gorrell is shown as the observer in this photograph. He has since qualified as an aviator and made a brilliant record in the Mexican activities in 1916.
Fig. 10. Point Loma from the Eastern Shore of North Island
Photographed October, 1915
The peninsula of Point Loma rises to an elevation approximating 500 feet, and as it lies approximately north and south, it interposes a considerable barrier to the prevailing westerly winds. The eastern side of Point Loma is very precipitous. These factors tend to produce winds called “woollies” which are a distinct menace to all small boats and air-craft, unless the air-craft have an elevation exceeding 3,000 feet on a normal windy day.
