The increased resistance offered by the lowered flap again tends to keep the machine from swinging around in the direction of the side on which the other aileron is lowered. The lateral control is thus much more quickly applied than in the case of the rear ailerons. In applying this principle to model construction, it must be borne in mind that the resistance of these forward tips is tending to retard the machine and must be used with care when the motive power is limited.
As far as general appearance is concerned, the Piggot monoplane is probably the greatest novelty of the year. It is the first aeroplane to carry a cabin, as it were, in which the pilot sits completely enclosed. In general appearance it suggests a great whale with exaggerated fins. The pilot looks out through elliptical windows at the sides and bottom, covered with mica, to protect him from the wind.
The wings of the Piggot aeroplane resemble the Bleriot machine, the propeller, or rather tractor, being carried forward. It is extremely interesting, however, since it suggests for the first time what the appearance of a cabined, passenger-carrying aeroplane of the future may be.
On the Farman aeroplane, the arrangement for providing stability is very interesting. The ailerons in this case are attached to the rear of one of the main planes, the lower one, by hinges. This general plan will be followed in the case of the model aeroplanes. In a number of successful model aeroplanes, the Farman ailerons have been closely imitated. The Curtiss biplane depends for its stability upon ailerons mounted midway between the two main planes and partly within them. This plan is scarcely practicable in the case of model aeroplanes, since they increase air resistance and are difficult to control.
The Baldwin biplane has introduced a new feature for obtaining stability which may be closely imitated. A large plane is set vertically, directly above the upper main plane which may be swung from side to side by the pilot. The theory of this stabilizing surface is that it will restore equilibrium from side to side, since it works in undisturbed air while meeting with very little head resistance.
Many builders of model aeroplanes have introduced a similar vertical plane directly above the main plane, or have placed it well forward at the extreme front of the motor base. By removing this rudder as far as possible from the main supporting surface, it exerts a greater leverage, and a very small plane carried well forward will be more effective than a larger plane directly above the main supporting surface. It has the disadvantage of catching any chance side current and thereby knocking the aeroplane off its course.