1928 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 113 



Photography. 



Topographical Survey accounted for 173.3 hours, which represents 3.56 per 

 cent, of the total hours, which exceeds last year's figures by 74.10 hours. 



This steady increase in flying in this particular phase of the year's pro- 

 gramme emphasizes the growing importance of air photography for map revision. 



A machine which is capable of climbing rapidly is an essential requisite for 

 economy. The initial cost of a modern machine with this characteristic would 

 be requited in a few seasons, provided that photography was carried out on a 

 large scale. 



Instruction. 



The success of the instructional work for the 1927 period would have equalled 

 that of the preceding year had it not been for a regrettable accident which 

 resulted in the death of one Junior B. pupil and injuries to a Junior A. pupil. 



The deceased pupil had had 500 hours experience as pilot during the World 

 War, but had not flown consistently since. He received eight hours five minutes 

 instruction prior to solo and carried out solo flights with marked ability and 

 keenness. 



The Court of Inquiry which assembled to inquire into the cause of the 

 crash gave a finding of "Error of Judgment" on the part of the pilot. 



Whether his prolonged absence from flying suddenly affected his nerves, 

 which made him lose control of the machine, cannot be determined. Evidence 

 points toward this theory because during his instructional flights he showed 

 that he had not lost the touch and nerve gained as a pilot during the war. 



Flying, like all occupations requiring nervous and mental strain, cannot be 

 shelved for any length of time. We have seen so often the effects on the nerves 

 of pilots who have not flown for some years and then endeavour to come back. 



Sixteen pupils received flying instruction during the season, the total 

 devoted to this work amounting to 110.10 hours, which represents 2.47 per cent, 

 of the total flying hours. 



The majority of the pupils chosen to receive instruction were from the 

 personnel of the Forestry Branch Air Service, or Observing Staff, as a result of 

 valuable service rendered to the Service in previous years. 



This policy, as outlined in the Annual Report for 1926, has proved a success, 

 because not only does it promote competition amongst the personnel, which is 

 the basis of efficiency and progress, but it gives to the Service pilots experienced 

 in engineering or observing, the results of which will be recognized when two or 

 single seater aircraft are used for forest protection duties. 



Following is given the report of the officer in charge of instruction — Sum- 

 mary of Flying Instruction, 1927: — 



One new pilot was given instruction in the handling of an H.S. 2 L. flying 

 boat and passed in the Senior Category of pilots. 



Two junior pilots gr^iduated from the air engineer staff and passed for 

 service as Junior Pilots B. 



Two air engineers, two observers, and one junior pilot B. were given instruc- 

 tion and each successfully carried out a number of solo flights at Sault Ste. 

 Marie. Four of these pilots received the R.C.A.F. Refresher Course at Camp 

 Borden on three types of Avro machines and all passed the course satisfactorily. 



One senior pilot was given instruction, owing to his long absence from 

 flying, before proceeding to operating base. 



