“At the training camp he is instructed in the care of an aeroplane and its powerful motor. He goes up in the air a number of times with an expert aviator. By constantly watching the expert, he learns to fly. Then he learns many dazzling stunts—to loop-the-loop, make figure eights, fly upside down, and other dangerous maneuvers.
“After the new aviator knows how to care for an aeroplane and fly perfectly, he is taught wireless telegraphy, and shown how to take aerial photographs, fire machine guns and drop bombs. As soon as he learns all these things, he’s a full-fledged aviator, and ready to go into active service for his country.”
Tom and Jack had their eyes wide open in wonder as Uncle Sam continued:
“Ordinary flying, as I told you boys before, is now almost as safe as riding on horseback or in an auto. But, in time of war, running a military aeroplane is the riskiest work in the world. When I tell you of the marvelous, death-defying deeds military aviators have done, I doubt if you will believe me. Yet everything is absolutely true.
AEROPLANE DIRECTING ARTILLERY FIRE
AVIATORS TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS
“An aviator’s most important duties are to take photographs of the enemy’s location and direct artillery fire. The aviator must seek out the enemy and learn their exact position. He must discover, if he can, about how many men and guns they have; how well they are fortified; how hard or easy it is to attack them. He makes many photographs and sketches which are valuable to his officers in planning an attack.”
“You haven’t told us how the brave aviator directs artillery fire,” broke in Tom.