I am currently enjoying a great book, The Tiger Moth Story, by Alan Bramson & Neville Birch (Airlife Publishing, 1982 revised and enlarged edition of the original 1964 classic). In it, there are a few pages from an article published in 1927 titled The ‘Moth’ Machine, by one Geoffrey de Havilland, who would later become legendary as an aviation pioneer and aerospace engineer. (Where it was published, alas, it does not say.)
Let me post selected quotes:
There are a few hints worth considering which bear on safety and comfort in flying. Cultivate the use of the air speed indicator and you will fly safely. …
The trimming lever should be so placed that no elevator load is felt on the hand; the machine will then fly “hands off” for some time. …
Some remarks on cross-country flying may be of use to those who are starting. In the first place, height makes for safety—it is generally advisable to fly not under 1,000 ft. unless the ground is exceptionally good.
Over ninety years later, I think this is all still excellent advice. And not just when flying a Moth.
