New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-07-24
ARMY AND NAVY NOTES
Proposal to Increase Pay OF
Military AviatorS.
From The Tribune Bureau.)
Washington, July


ARMY AVIATION PLANS.-There Is
q prospect that Congress at the next ses'
sion will complete the legislation recon-
mended by the House Military COMMITTEES
providing increased pay for officers OF the
aviation branch of the signal corps. 1t
is held that there is need Of an Increase
Of pay because Of the peril connected with
this duty. One officer has had his insur-
ance policy cancelled on that account
Other governments have recognized the
financial necessities Of their military avi-
ators, Great Britain providing straight
Increase Of pay OF 80 per cent, with fur
Their bonuses dependent upon the number.
altitude. duration and character OF the
cishts. In Germany the aviation corps lie
reserved for officers Of independent per-
sonal means.
The pending legislation provides that
the pay and allowances now fixed by law
for officers OF the army snail be doubled
for such officers as are detailed on avn
alton duty. Not more than thirty officers
are TO be 30 detailed, and there 10 to be
no limit as to the tour OF detail. II Is
proposed to give extra pay and allowances
from the date Of detail.
The period of greatest danger to tht
aviator is during the first three months OF
his flying. From that time on his worth
to the service constantly increases BY
giving increased pay and allowances from
the start the aviator Is afforded protec-
ton at the period when he most needs IT,
The nature Of. this duty requires thai
those engaged on Il shall attend aviation
meets at various parts Of the country and
that they shall offend aviation exhibitions
erd conferences. Mileage, even when trips
are made under orders, which Is not al
ways the case, Is totally insunlclent 10
cover these necessary expenditures. When
manufacturers or evtators OF note or Tor
eisn aviators visit this country II 10 the
army aviator who must entertain them.
There Is no provision for such entertain
tneat.
II is thought that military aviator
should be paid 80 or IS per cent extra Tor
one year after returning to his regular
regimental or corps duty. should he be-
come separated from aviation duty, with
the privilege Of taking annually test 70
renew such rating should he so elect In
this way a group OF reserve av!atore can
be attached to the service, for there are
many men who would prefer to learn svi'
alton and then annually qualify rather
than continue the dangers Of the work FOR
an indefinite period in time Of peace. AL
OF these men would be Immediately avail
able in time Of var.
This matter is not touched on in the
present army bill, because It is intended
that there shall be as little cause for COM
nlcnt as possible on the bill, in order thai
the present urgent need Of the work may
not be jeopardized by the Introduction Of
less important matters.
Three of the governments new war
eeroplanes Will take part in the naanoeu-
vres Of the regular army and national
guard troops in Connecticut next month.
One Of the newest war planes, just built
at Marblehead. Mass, will be flown with
the troop movements Lieutenant Henry
IL. Arnold. OF the aviation squad, left tCr
Marblehead to-day to test the new flyer.
He will handle 1t during the ulaneuvres.