Chapter XII – Flying Machines Construction And Operation offers clear, practical guidance for those beginning their journey into the world of aviation. Rather than focusing on dramatic altitude records or sensational feats, this chapter encourages new pilots to prioritize control, safety, and confidence in their first experiences. By drawing on the wisdom of early aviators, the authors present a flight philosophy built around gradual mastery rather than risky experimentation.

Most experienced pilots, including pioneers like Bleriot and Farman, preferred flying at altitudes ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. The chapter clarifies that flying at high altitudes isn’t necessary for success or safety. In fact, remaining within this modest range allows pilots to make better decisions and maintain visual contact with the ground. A height of 30 feet offers a safe margin to recover from small errors without risking serious damage. This aligns with advice from Wright and Curtiss, who warned against flying either too high or too low. Their approach emphasizes stability and focus during early training.

Initial flights should be conducted in ideal conditions: open fields free of obstructions and with light wind. To aid the process, three assistants are recommended—one at the tail, one guiding the wings, and one positioned for takeoff alignment. This team setup helps manage the craft’s direction and balance as the pilot focuses solely on steering. New aviators are encouraged to keep their goals humble at the beginning. Attempting short, straight-line flights with soft landings builds real experience without overreaching. A controlled 100-foot flight is considered far more useful than an uncontrolled attempt to soar too high. Step-by-step progress forms the backbone of learning.

The idea of balancing a flying machine is compared to riding a bicycle. The concept is simple but effective: when a cyclist leans, they adjust their steering to regain balance, and pilots must do the same in the air. Any deviation from level flight should be corrected by gently adjusting the wing or rudder controls. This natural form of correction becomes second nature with practice. Stabilizing planes and lateral controls play a critical role in regaining equilibrium when wind or engine shifts disturb the machine. Recognizing and responding to these inputs is vital in preventing a stall or roll.

Flight training should also involve understanding how the machine responds to shifts in its center of gravity. As a pilot leans left or right or makes abrupt turns, the machine reacts accordingly, sometimes with more sensitivity than expected. Early aviators learned quickly that gentle, deliberate movements worked better than forceful ones. Overcorrecting could lead to instability, while calm inputs resulted in smoother trajectories. This practice of feeling the aircraft’s rhythm and responding with precision is what separated skilled pilots from reckless ones. It’s not about overpowering the machine but moving in harmony with it.

Another important lesson concerns takeoff and landing, the two most critical moments in flight. The chapter advises that beginners focus on short lifts and quick, controlled landings to develop familiarity with how the machine handles speed and resistance. A clean landing, even after a modest flight, boosts confidence and reduces damage to the craft. When attempting to gain altitude, the goal is not to climb steeply but to lift gradually at a steady rate. By doing this, the pilot avoids stalls caused by sharp nose lifts or loss of forward thrust. Learning to read the machine’s response at every stage of the flight becomes crucial.

Altitude, while exciting, is not the ultimate goal in learning to fly. As emphasized throughout the chapter, controlled, repeatable flight is far more valuable than a single risky ascent. The altitude of 4,165 feet achieved by Paulhan may be a record, but it’s not where training begins. New aviators must instead gain mastery at lower heights before advancing. These foundations prepare them for the challenges of higher-level flying later on. In every recommendation, the message is consistent: skill comes from patience and methodical practice.

The structured guidance in this chapter bridges curiosity with responsible learning. It offers readers not just the how, but the why behind every recommended step. By making thoughtful decisions and respecting the forces at play, aviators can build skill safely and efficiently. With these principles, early flights become both a technical exercise and a confidence-building experience. The sky isn’t won by daring alone—it’s earned through balance, preparation, and a steady hand at the controls.