“It was obvious that he couldn't ask any pilot to put his aircraft intentionally into a spin in order to test his theory, so he decided that he should learn to fly. The Superintendent turned down his request, on the grounds that it would "weaken the position" of the professional pilots "who were the recognized experts in flying," but he allowed him to send a written request to the War Office, which surprisingly gave permission - if, of course, the stringent physical examination could be passed.”
AR