Airplanes of this type perform services of the utmost importance. Today the observation is the eye of an army.
Observation planes carry two men, a pilot and an observer.
The observer is ever on the lookout for enemy troops on the move, or for any indication of reserves strategically hidden in forest or trench. This information he must carry at once to headquarters for there, after comparing with reports from other observers, the information received often gives a clue to the foe's intentions. The observation plane supplements the work of the observation balloon. The latter, from its stationary position, obtains a general idea of the disposition of the foe's forces. With this as a basis, the airplane is sent to make a detailed reconnaissance, in the course of which it will secure information which the balloon cold by no means obtain.