Flying Midshipmen

Every midshipman at Annapolis will soon study aviation through the 4-year curriculum. Theory of flight, aero-engines, aerial navigation and similar subjects will worry the already hard-worked students. In the future they will learn to fly--if they can pass the physical tests. These include being spun round in a revolving chair to simulate spinning in the air, walking blindfold in a straight line, breathing rarefied air corresponding to an altitude of 20,000 ft. or so. Army Air Service men see in this an outcome of the Mitchell controversy and a move to forestall a United Air Service. They stress in particular the fact that not more than 30 or 40% of the young men will be able to pass the physical tests. Colonel Mitchell goes so far as to call the scheme "bunk."