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Ask Us Another About Flying 

Brantford, Ontario 
Inquiry: - What is the distinction between the terms "span" and "chord" as applied to the wings of an airplane?

B.W. Woffring. 

Answer, by Lt. Thomas J. Hill: 
The measurement of an airplane wing from tip to tip is referred to as the "span." There is apt to be some confusion about the term "length" when applied to airplane wings, owing to the fact that when a wing is measured from its leading edge to its trailing edge - that is, from the front of the wing to the rear of the wing, that measurement is referred to as the chord. 

[[Image: Shows a German plane. Caption: The new, German Focke-Wulf plane. Its steering apparatus is in front and the motors installed backwards! ]] 

Spokane, Wash. 
Inquiry: - I notice a distinction is made between the "pusher" and "tractor" types of airplane. What is this difference?

Lloyd C. Fernald. 
Answer: The tractor type of plane has the propeller in front of the machine and "drags" the airplane through the air, while the pusher type has the propeller in the rear and pushes the airplane. Practically all modern planes are of the tractor type.

Canajoharie, N.Y. 
Inquiry - I am thinking of taking a course in flying and would like an unprejudiced opinion regarding the profit possibilities after becoming a pilot. Are there many jobs open in this line and if so, what is the average rate of pay?

Samuel Morrison. 
Answer: Your question is typical of many other letters coming to this office. With the present public interested in aviation, there seems to be a growing impression that flying opens a new and easy road to opulence; but, so far as we can discover, unless a man can do more than be an aerial chauffeur, he is not much better off than a chauffeur on the ground. 
That statement is exaggerated, of course, for a good pilot command three times the salary of an automobile driver - even if the pilot cannot do much of anything besides fly. But, the big rewards in aviation today are for the men who can see the future in this new industry - not merely as pilots, but as builders. Learning to fly is merely the first step of a business man who intends to make aviation his future business. At least that's what it should be. 

[[Image 2: Showing a plane. Caption: "The first 'Air Truck' - a tri-motored Ford plane used by the Royal Typewriter Company to speed up deliveries." ]] 

To answer your question more directly, we should say that in straight commercial flying, pilots receive from $4,000, per year up. Beyond that point, your earning capacity will depend on your business ability. It is certain that aviation as an industry offers an exceptional future to the man who combines business ability with flying ability. 

[[Image 3: Showing a man in a plane. Caption: "Lehman Weil, who expects to fly in this foot-powered contraption at Curtiss Field. It may take-off, but - " ]] 

Memphis, Tenn. 
Inquiry - What is the preparation known as "dope" as used on the fabric of airplane wings? Also, is it necessary that wing fabric be thus covered?

W.B. Fanciulli. 
Answer: Quoting from Slipstream, dope is defined as a colloidal solution of cellulose acetate or cellulose nitrate; mixed with sufficient softener, it produces a smooth, homogeneous, flexible film when dry. It tautens the fabric and increases its strength. A wing fabric without a coating of this protective film would be very susceptible to humidity changes, becoming slack or taut with every increase or decrease of atmospheric moisture. It would also lose its strength quite rapidly and could not give any protection to the interior wing structure. Thus, by "doping" the fabric covered surfaces, we render them waterproof, tighten the fabric and produce a more rigid aerofoil. 

Aviation for Boy Scouts

WITH a recent suggestion that all boy scouts should be taught to fly, we are slightly at odds. However, those youths who are interested in aviation, have for years been given merit badges for a knowledge of this subject. 
The boy scout test consists of the following; are you sure you could answer all the questions?
He must have a knowledge of the theory of an airplane helicopter. and ornithopter, and of the spherical and dirigible balloon. 
He must made a working model of any type of heavier-than-air-machine, that will fly at least twenty-five yards; and have built a box kite that will fly. 
He must, also, have a knowledge of the types and makes of engines used for airplanes, the best-known makes of airplanes, and feats performed or records made by famous aviators. 
In addition, the boy must have a knowledge of the names of famous airships (an airship is a lighter-than-air-machine) and some of their records; and understand the difference between aviation and aerostation, and know the types of apparati which come under these two heads. 
The British boy scout must pass a somewhat more difficult examination than his American cousin. 
A knowledge of the air! It is being promulgated in many and varied ways!