...the skipper of the Naval Photographic Center has often been an aviator. My parents both served at NPC in the late '50s under Capt. Noel Bacon, the ex-Flying Tiger.

If they have a sudden stop that guy in the rear is going to put his face right into that wooden contraption. Not a pleasant thought.

How was the Pilot supposed to read that thing, climb out on the wing?

---

Washington Post, March 24, 1925.

Naval Planes Will Seek Weather Data
High in the Air

Flights to Be Made Daily from Anacostia Station to Study Aerological Conditions Far Above Earth's Surface to Aid Bureau's Forecasts.

Knowledge of hitherto unknown air conditions at high altitudes which will enable the weather bureau to make forecasts with more certainty and for a more advanced period will be made available to that office under arrangements completed yesterday with the naval air station at Anacostia.

According to the program, naval planes will make special daily flights carrying an aerological observer equipped with instruments to record the air temperature and humidity far above the earth. A naval aerologist, schooled in weather observations and forecasts, will be assigned to the work. He will carry with him in the plane thermometers and barometers which will record conditions with mathematical accuracy.

Upon descent the officer will immediately transmit the data he has gathered to the weather bureau for use in the daily forecasts and to army and navy aviation stations in and near Washington for their guidance in flying.

Temperature and humidity at great distances above the earth's surface have always given an element of uncertainty to weather forecasts and have made "long-range predictions" almost impossible. These elements in the upper air have a direct influence on weather conditions of the surface. With accurate information as to the conditions available the weather bureau is expected to establish a new record for veracity and farsightedness.

When men were men
And ships and tripods were made of wood,
wings of canvas,
flight wear of thick leather & fur;
instruments were tied with string to wing spars,
And cameras recorded light on celluloid!