_A and B._--Two distance flights, consisting of at least five kilometres (three miles, 185 yards) each in a closed circuit. _C._--One altitude flight, during which a height of at least 100 metres (328 feet) above the point of departure must be attained, the descent to be made from that height with the motor cut off. The landing must be made in view of the observers, without re-starting the motor. The candidate must be alone in the aircraft during the three tests. Starting from and alighting on the water is only permitted in one of the tests, A and B. The course on which the aviator accomplishes tests A and B must be marked out by two posts or buoys, situated not more than 500 metres (547 yards) apart. The turns round the posts or buoys must be made alternately to the right and to the left, so that the flight will consist of an uninterrupted series of figures of 8. The distance flown shall be reckoned as if in a straight line between the two posts or buoys. The alighting after the two distance flights in tests A and B shall be made (_a_) by stopping the motor at or before the moment of touching the ground or water; (_b_) by bringing the aircraft to rest not more than 50 metres (164 feet) from a point indicated previously by the candidate. The decision of the committee of the Royal Aero Club in all matters connected with the test is final, and without appeal. The certificate itself, which is a handsome, leather-bound affair, in the shape of a pocket-book, can be obtained by sending along the certificate of the flights accomplished, together with £1 1_s._, a photograph of the applicant, particulars as to birth, etc., to the Secretary, Royal Aero Club, 166 Piccadilly, London, W. His “ticket” having been obtained, the “quirk”--who, incidentally, is now a “quirk” no longer--is given a little more practice in flying slow machines, in order to gain confidence, and is then sent on to his first war station to learn to fly the faster battle-planes and war machines, and at the same time is confirmed in his rank. Even now his flying education is by no means finished. After learning to fly the faster machines, he will be put through a course of bomb-dropping. After that a spell of cross-country work will occupy his time; learning to fly from above by the position of landmarks, roads, rivers, railways, etc. After this he learns to steer a course by compass, gets practice in machine-gun firing and dissembling while in mid-air, and then he is ready at last for the great adventure across the water. One fine morning he will set out on a brand-new war-machine for somewhere in the north of France. CHAPTER V THE SPIRIT OF THE AIR The great war has brought in its trail horrors innumerable, but, as if in compensation, has brought to light all that is best in our men.