GERMANS AND AVIATION

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 128, 31 May 1916, Page 3

GERMANS AND AVIATION

A German aviation pilot, who was obliged to land in a French village near the front, is quoted by the ' Temps' correspondent as declaring that the Germans are now doing less flying along the front because they feel there is little need of it. "We have all your positions photographed,." he said. 'The recruiting of pilots with us,' he continued, 'is very easy. Only men under 28 years of age are admitted in the aviation service and those who at the end of so-

cio not show sufficient apitude arg sent back to their corps. The others are instructed in the" aviation schools, and later become specialists in the work of reconnoitring, or in regulating the fire of the big guns. Those who are on the fighting aeroplanes are nearly always volunteers. There is near Hamburg a special school*, where the latter perfect themselves before leaving for the front. The up-to-date fighting machine now is the 'Fokker,' which can make a speed of 1(50 kilometers an hour. It is armed with a quick-firer, but its ammunition carrying capacity is limited. On oi>-

rcconnoitring machines we have photographic apparatus which can be utilised

at 2000 meters altitude, and others which may be employed for photographing from 3500 meters. Eight specialists are provided to make the most debcte developments and enlargements. Those specialists are attached to each of our squadrons."