The Aviation Section of the Signal Corps, which had charge of the production and operation of military aircraft at the outbreak of the war, was created on July 18, 1914. To assist in outlining America’s aviation program, the Aircraft Production Board was appointed by the Council of National Defense in May, 1917. In October, 1917, the Aircraft Board, acting in an advisory capacity to the Signal Corps and the Navy, was created by act of Congress. In April, 1918, the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps was separated into two distinct departments, Mr. John D. Ryan being placed in charge of aircraft production and Brig.-Gen. W. L. Kenly in charge of military aeronautics. Under the powers granted in the Overman Bill, a further reorganization was effected by Presidential order in May, 1918, whereby aircraft production and military aeronautics were completely divorced from the Signal Corps and established in separate bureaus. This arrangement continued until August, when the present air service, under Mr. Ryan as Second Assistant Secretary of War, was established, combining under one head the administration of aviation personnel and equipment. RAW MATERIALS SECURED One of the most important problems which confronted the aircraft organization from the start was the obtaining of sufficient spruce and fir for ourselves and our allies. To facilitate the work, battalions were organized under military discipline and placed in the forests of the western coast. A government plant and kiln were erected to cut and dry lumber before shipment, thus saving valuable freight space. To November 11, 1918, the date the armistice was signed, the total quantity of spruce and fir shipped amounted to approximately 174,000,000 feet, of which more than two-thirds went to the Allies. The shortage of linen stimulated the search for a substitute possessing the qualities necessary in fabric used for covering aeroplane wings. Extensive experiments were made with a cotton product which proved so successful that it is now used for all types of training and service planes. To meet the extensive demands for a high-grade lubricating oil, castor beans were imported from India and a large acreage planted in this country. Meanwhile research work with mineral oils was carried on intensively, with the result that a lubricant was developed which proved satisfactory in practically every type of aeroplane motor, except the rotary motor, in which castor oil is still preferred. PRODUCTION OF TRAINING PLANES AND ENGINES When war was declared the United States possessed less than 300 training planes, all of inferior types. Deliveries of improved models were begun as early as June, 1917. Up to November 11, 1918, over 5,300 had been produced, including 1,600 of a type which was temporarily abandoned on account of unsatisfactory engines.