World War I Aviation

What were the Allied Powers in 1907?

French Republic, British Empire, Russian Empire.

What were the Central Powers?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire, Bulgaria.

What was the 1st Aero Squadron's makeup in Dec 1913?

15 officers, 61 enlisted, 8 aircraft, 16 tractors, 6 motorcycles.

What was aviation’s primary need in WWI?

Trained enlisted personnel for supply, construction, specialized functions.

What were the airplane’s most important wartime missions?

Observation, artillery spotting, reconnaissance.

Who was Roland Garros?

French pilot, first aerial victory using steel plates on propeller.

What did Germans do after capturing Roland Garros?

Studied his aircraft, created first true fighter plane (Fokker Eindecker).

What is a flying ace?

A military aviator credited with shooting down multiple enemy aircraft.

Who was WWI’s most successful fighter ace?

Captain Edward V. “Fast Eddie” Rickenbacker.

Who was the first African American military pilot?

Corporal Eugene Bullard