The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-08-06
Men Over 20 Too Cautious, Says
Crack U. s. Birdman.
Under rs They're Too Bold and
Lack Good Judgment.
CREAM OF AMERICAN YOUTH
Lufberry of French Front De-
scribes Types Needed.
Only Physically Perfect Men
With Perfect Sight Wanted.
BY W. 5. FORREST.

Paris, Aug 6---It will take the
cream OF American youth, between
the ages of 1 8 and 26, to man Amerl-
cas- thousands of aeropIanes-
1T will take the double cream OF
youth to qualify as 'chasers.' in the
republics new aerial army
This was the statement of Lieuten-
ant RaouI Lufberry today as he told
the United Press of the qualification
America must seek in the Americans
who are to act as the eyes Of her army
in France.
Lufberry is one of the best qualified
men in the world to discuss what Is
necessary to make a successful air
man. He has been officially cited for
bringing down ten German aeroplanes
and has unofficial credit for half
dozen more. He has been decorated
with the legion of honor, the British
military cross the French military
cross and the cross of war. He brought
down his first enemy machine ten
days after going into service
Chasers Most Important
Three types of airrnen were men
toned by Lufberry as he talked for
Americans at home of the air fighters
to be sent to France They included,
first, the double cream" to man the
light. fast chasers. then the men for
heavier aeroplanes carrying two or
more passengers and the "bombardier'
the expert machine gun and small
cannon operator.
Intensive and scientific training
must be given this cream of youth
upon which Americas welfare in the
air must rest" said Lufberry
Experience has shown that for
best results the fighting aviator should
not be over 90 years old, or under Is.
The youth under Is has shown him
self to be bold, but he lacks JUDI ment.
Men over &c are too cautious.
FIGHTER a
man handling a Chaser must be of
perfect physique He must have the
coolest nerve and be of a temperament
that longs for fight He must have
ness, the keenest sense OF action and
perfect sight to gain the absolute feel
of his machine
Must Be Aerial Acrobat.
He must be entirely familiar with
aerial acrobatics- The latter frequent
Iy means life or death
Fighting q. 0ee feet in the air pro-
duces heavy strain on the heart IT
is vital, therefore. that this organ
show not the slightest evidence of
weakness Such weakness would de-
crease the aviator's fighting efficiency
The American boys who come over
here for this work will be subject to
rapid and frequent variations in alti-
tude- It is a common occurrence TO
dive vertically from six to ten thous-
and feet with the motor pulling hard
Eye glasses are barred Sharpness
of vision is imperative Otherwise the
enemy may escape. or the aviator,
himself. will be surprised, or mistake
friendly machine for a hostile craft
The differences are often merely in
significant coiors and details.
The ears must be able to stand air
pressure. The aviator hears nothing
but his motor and an occasional close
shot
Athletes Best Fighters
TT IS important to realize that SO
long as a man has skill in handling his
machine and accuracy In fire, he is
never beyond hope
Americas aviators must be men
selves under fire. thinking out their
attacks as their fight progresses.
Experience has shown that the
chaser men should weigh under $50
pounds. Americans from the ranks of
sport-youths who have played base
ball, polo, football, or have shot and
participated in other sports will prob
ably make the best chasers-
The nerve and ability to do aero
batic stunts Is imperative in handling
light machines Guynemer, the
French champion f1ier, Is an acrobat
of the air He is of very slight build
ficult to hit him Tho he has been
he IS a wonderful shot himself.
That is what Americans must be