University of Virginia Library

Make Your Flights Short.

Be modest in your initial flights. Don't attempt to match the records of experienced men who have devoted years to mastering the details of aviation. Paulhan, Farman, Bleriot, Wright, Curtiss, and all the rest of them began, and practiced for years, in the manner here described, being content to make just a little advancement at each attempt. A flight of 150 feet, cleanly and safely made, is better as a beginning than one of 400 yards full of bungling mishaps.

And yet these latter have their uses, provided the operator is of a discerning mind and can take advantage of them as object lessons. But, it is not well to invite them. They will occur frequently enough under the most favorable conditions, and it is best to have them

come later when the feeling of trepidation and uncertainty as to what to do has worn off.

Above all, don't attempt to fly too high. Keep within a reasonable distance from the ground—about 25 or 30 feet. This advice is not given solely to lessen the risk of serious accident in case of collapse, but mainly because it will assist to instill confidence in the operator.

It is comparatively easy to learn to swim in shallow water, but the knowledge that one is tempting death in deep water begets timidity.