R.A.F. Can.—Output of Pilots—School of Aerial Gunnery
By September pupils were passing all tests under the same instructor in any one squadron. This, coupled with the use of speaking tubes, was of considerable help. Further guns, gears and equipment had come in from England, and the situation was now vastly different from that which pertained to earlier months when the School was forced to manufacture much of its own equipment. Instruction was going well, and the output reached 270, with a flying time of more than 9 hours.
The officer personnel expanded in October to 110, this being of great assistance. Pilots were limited to three hours per day in the air, and, in consequence, machines had not been reaching a maximum flying time. The effect of good instruction at the Armament School was now most noticeable, as pupils were coming through with increased technical knowledge of gunnery and guns. The first Canadian-built Avro machine was flown during this month, with a most satisfactory performance. The output touched 281 and flying time 10 hours.
Such in brief is the record. The value may best be judged by the service rendered by those who passed from the harmless silhouettes floating on the smooth surface of Lake Ontario to engage the deadlier machines that haunted the high altitudes over the Western front.
[CAMERA GUNNERY.]
Before carrying out aerial practice with machine guns, embryo pilots and observers are required to attain a certain standard in camera gun work, both on the ground and in the air. The camera used is designed to resemble, both in operation and in appearance, the Lewis machine gun, the difference being that upon the trigger being released the camera gun registers a photograph upon a film. Reloading is by pulling back the cocking handle, which brings another film into place.