The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1908-11-27

signs. If you visit the factories where
these craft are built the various de-
signs will be laid before you in regu-
lar catalogues, photographs of COM
pleted airships or illustrated by COM
plete models. Before the contract is
formally closed you will be presented
with drawings and your taste will be
consulted concerning variety of de-
tails If you wish to make your car
as commodious as possible, sacrificing
speed to convenience, the type of air
ship will be designed to suit, or if
you wish to sacrifice everything to
speed, and are anxious to do 40 miles
an hour at any cost your wish may
be gratified.
The advantage of various types Of
rudders and propellers will be laid be-
fore you, and in the same matter of
fact way as you discuss the motors
or steering gear of an automobile.
Even the general form and appearance
of the airship may to a considerable
extent express your own individual
taste in such matters. An envelope
much pointed at the ends is the COM
monest form for the dirigibles now
building for next season.
The amateur aeronaut naturally pre-
fers to drive his own airship. What
automobilist does not pride himself
upon his skill as driver, and every
man who owns horse naturally wish
es to handle the reins. No one is
allowed to go aloft with passengers
who does not hold a pilots license or
is at least accompanied by such a
pilot. The rules governing the grant
ing of such licenses are very strict.
An aeronaut, before receiving IL
cense, must have made at least ten
successful flights, three of which must
have been made at night, and he must
be passed by three licensed pilots.
The licenses are granted by the Aero
Club of America There are tricks in
all trades, and even the newest of pro-
LESSONS has not escaped. Several OF
these pilots have been criticised for
rushing matters in order to qualify,
making the last three or four ascen-
sions necessary to receive the license
within two or three days, thus tech
nically fulfilling the requirements.
The sky pilots license is issued
as rule, in the form of pocketbook,
which may be folded and carried with
out inconvenience. 1t consists of a
leather frame, containing the pilots
photograph, while opposite is formally
set forth his name and authorization
Some of the amateur aeronauts take
the regular course in aeronautics in
the Aero School of New York before
qualifying for licenses, while others
obtain their training from relicensed
pilots, who give individual instruction
In ordering an airship the selection
of an aerodrome or proper home for
this remarkable craft is, of course,
one of the first things to be con-
sidered. The word aerodrome Is un-
familiar, but it will be remembered
that the word garage was equally unfa-
miliar ten years ago or less. Whether
you go in foT flying with dirigibles or
heavier-than-air machines an aero
drome is indispensable. The aero
drome need be nothing more than a
shed with a roof, but it must be large
enough to hold the inflated bag of
your dirigible when it is fully inflated,
and without cramping it for room. An
aeroplane requires ample house room,
so that the delicate wings will not be
injured. If the aerodrome is to house
dirigibles its roof must be high
enough to allow the airship to float
free of the ground when inflated. One
end of the aerodrome must be so con-
trived that it may be thrown open,
leaving great aperture large enough
for the airship to pass in or out.
1t is doubtless a question of but a
few years before the aerodrome will
be as familiar a part of the stabling
of an estate as is the garage or the
stables to-day.