Naval Air Service Training Manual

1915

My copy of this is an unnumbered physical copy of this early air service document.  Although the spine indicates 1915, it bears a date of November 1914 in its title page.  It is marked "Secret" in unusually bold lettering (for these books) on an initial page.  My copy is unusual (perhaps) by having an inverted color plate of an airplane opposite page 168... were that this were a stamp!

The immaturity of the subject is highlighted in the brief preface.

PREFACE

The object of this work is to provide a manual similar to the Volume I Torpedo Manual, which will be brought up to date by annual supplements, and be revised and reprinted from time to time.

It is intended for the instructions of officers and men employed or under training in the R.N.A.S.

It will be supplemented, as may be found necessary by handbooks relating to particular types of Airships or Aeroplanes and on special subjects which are considered to be of too confidential a nature for inclusion here.  It is thought that each chapter should afford scope for a single lecture, omitting if desired, paragraphs of an advanced nature.

It must be borne in mind that the whole subject is at present in a very experimental stage, and that it is impossible in many cases to lay down hard and fast rules of procedure.  Every effort must be made by all concerned to improve existing methods until some measure of finality may be reached.  Throughout the Manual, British weights and measures have been employed, but conversion tables to the metric system are included in the Appendix.

Cahpters on wireless, night flying, and workshops will be added as further experience is gained.

Part I.  AIRSHIPS

Part II.  AEROPLANES AND SEAPLANES

Part III.  GENERAL INFORMATION

APPENDIX