The controlling wires or cords for moving the rudder (or tail) and for warping the tips of the wings are of flexible wire cable, such as is made for use as steering rope on small boats. The cable controlling the horizontal plane of the rudder-tail is fastened to a lever at the right hand of the operator. The cable governing the vertical plane of the rudder-tail is attached to a wheel at the left hand of the operator. The cables which warp the tips of the wings are fastened to a lever which projects upward just back of the operator’s seat, and which is slipped into a long pocket sewed to the back of his coat, so that the swaying of his body in response to the fling of the tipping machine tends to restore it to an even keel. Springs are attached to all of these controlling wires, strong enough to bring them back to a normal position when the operator removes his hands from the steering apparatus.
The brass sockets used in connecting the tubular struts to the main bamboos and the rudder-post, and in fastening the axle of the wheels to the lower bamboos and elsewhere, should be thoroughly made and brazed by a good mechanic, for no one should risk the chance of a faulty joint at a critical spot, when an accident may mean the loss of life.
Diagram of Bleriot monoplane showing sizes of parts, in metres. Reduced to feet and inches these measurements are:
| 0.60 metres | 1 ft. | 11½ in. |
| 1.50 metres | 4 ft. | 11 in. |
| 2.10 metres | 6 ft. | 10½ in. |
| 3.50 metres | 11 ft. | 6 in. |
| 8.00 metres | 26 ft. | 3 in. |
| 8.60 metres | 28 ft. | 2½ in. |
The diagram being drawn to scale other dimensions may be found. In both the plan (upper figure) and elevation (lower figure), A, A, is the main plane; B, tail plane; C, body; D, elevator wing-tips; E, rudder; a, a, rigid spar; b, b, flexible spar; r, r, points of attachment for warping-wires; h, h, guys; H, propeller; M, motor; R, radiator; S, pilot’s seat; P, chassis.
For the rest, it has seemed better to put the details of construction on the plans themselves, where they will be available to the aeroplane builder without the trouble of continually consulting the text.
Some of the work on an aeroplane will be found simple and easy; some of it, difficult and requiring much patience; and some impracticable to any one but a trained mechanic. But in all of it, the worker’s motto should be, “Fidelity in every detail.”