This brought about marked proficiency, and it was proved quite clearly that pilots had been going overseas with too much straight shooting and not enough practice during stunting. The new system, however, brought tuition up to conditions actually existing at the front at the time. Several experienced pilots became available, and their lectures were most valuable. The output of cadets was (June) 182, but the average flying had gone up to 11 hours.
In July the School became that of Aerial Fighting—a more descriptive title, since tactics were so prominent in its course. The contrast with June of 1917 was somewhat remarkable, there being now 92 officers and 700 other ranks. During this month rocking nacelles and Scarff mountings were introduced for all ground work, and all pilot instructors were arranged to be examined monthly. This led to the discovery that refresher courses were necessary in cases, these being forthwith commenced. The month’s output was 262, with flying time with guns of 11 hours.
In August, the observers’ course was well under way, being a modification of that arranged for pilots. There was naturally no C.C. shooting, but instruction covered every practical method of firing at possible targets from the observer’s seat. This month there were graduated 246 pupils with a slightly reduced flying time of 9½ hours.
WING OFFICE, ETC.—BEAMSVILLE.
RANGES—BEAMSVILLE.
CABLE WAY FOR GUNNERY PRACTICE, TEXAS.
(SINCE OUT OF DATE.)