1. The War in the Air

2. The War in the Air Planes used first for reconnaissance
New cameras developed to take high altitude photographs
Low level flights susceptible to anti aircraft guns

3. The War in the Air Machine guns mounted behind propeller
“Ace” status awarded to pilots with 5 or more confirmed kills
Plane battles between two or more planes called a “dogfight”

4. The War in the Air Air tech. improvements included:
Interrupter gear (allowed gun mounted behind propeller to fire through it)
Zeppelins
Observation balloons
Parachutes

5. The War in the Air

6. The War in the Air

7. The War in the Air

8. The War in the Air

9. The War in the Air Lifestyle: Slept at barracks in beds
Sometimes had celebrity status
Flying in subzero temperatures in high winds
Ear damage
Average lifespan was less than 14 days

10. The War in the Air
Most famous WW1 pilot was Manfred Von Richthofen known as “The Red Barron” 80 victories
Billy Bishop from Owen Sound had 72 victories (3rd most of all pilots)

11. The War in the Air