6–D–17 P.M. 2:30–3:35 Wind direction and Velocity. S.W. [Maurice Farman] B–2022 Solo
Height 1600′ Course. Aerodrome Remarks. 3 Figure Eights, Volplane From 1600′ to 600′, 3
Landings Ticket in Royal Aero Club.
Parr’s satisfaction with his performance this afternoon is expressed in his underlining
the words “Ticket in Royal Aero Club.” Qualifying for an RAC certificate or “ticket” in the 1910s involved two flights
of specified distance flown in figure
eights and one of specified altitude, as well as precisely controlled landings.173 Before the R.F.C. began flight instruction,
the RAC provided the only means to achieving a pilot’s license in Britain, and it
continued to play an important role in
training and qualifying pilots in World War I. But the need for pilots meant that
the “hurdle of ‘taking one’s ticket’ was
absorbed into a training programme operated exclusively by the RFC, with pupils being
tested for their RAC brevet by their
RFC instructors.”174 As far as I can tell, Parr did not actually fill out the form (and send the check)
that would have gained
him an actual Royal Aero Club certificate.
Parr’s satisfaction with his performance this afternoon is expressed in his underlining the words “Ticket in Royal Aero Club.” Qualifying for an RAC certificate or “ticket” in the 1910s involved two flights of specified distance flown in figure eights and one of specified altitude, as well as precisely controlled landings.173 Before the R.F.C. began flight instruction, the RAC provided the only means to achieving a pilot’s license in Britain, and it continued to play an important role in training and qualifying pilots in World War I. But the need for pilots meant that the “hurdle of ‘taking one’s ticket’ was absorbed into a training programme operated exclusively by the RFC, with pupils being tested for their RAC brevet by their RFC instructors.”174 As far as I can tell, Parr did not actually fill out the form (and send the check) that would have gained him an actual Royal Aero Club certificate.