can reduce the best of pilots by stages until it is just as dangerous for them to fly a machine as it is for a beginner. Everyone who takes up flying becomes converted from disbelief into enthusiasm. Shortly after his conversion he may, or may not, kill himself. Never regret having given a beginner too little flying at first, but always remember the time lost by want of arrangement. If in doubt whether you should let beginners go up "Don‘t". A military flier is only becoming really valuable after six months, which is about the time that a civilian flier lasts a star performer. In aviation, all goes completely wrong or completely well. Neither should affect the man in charge as to what he intended to do. If you know what you want, you can do your portion and get others to do theirs. Most people don't know what they want. A Squadron Commander should want a good Squadron, and not be able to break records. On 13 May 1912, Burke became the commanding officer of the Flying Corps' No. 2 Squadron and was promoted to major. During the next two years, Burke trained his squadron in aerial reconnaissance. In September 1912, Burke took part in the Army Manoeuvres. Burke was responsible for the control of nine aircraft under the direction of Major Frederick Sykes. On 13 February 1913, five aircraft of No. 2 Squadron took off from RAE Farnborough and in a series of stages over the next 13 days flew north. The aircraft landed at Upper Dysart Farm on 26 February, south of Montrose, Forfarshire, Scotland establishing the first operational military airbase in the United Kingdom. First World War Burke (as a brevet major) was mentioned in Sir John French's despatch on 8 October 1914. The following month, on 29 November 1914, Burke was appointed the first commanding officer of No. 2 Wing of the Royal Flying Corps and he set up his headquarters at Saint-Omer. His wing comprised Nos 5 and 6 Squadrons. In 1915 Burke was involved in recruiting for the Royal Flying Corps in Canada. As well as directly recruiting personnel, Burke suggested that training aerodromes might be established in Canada under British control. From February to June 1916, Burke served as the Commandant of the Central Flying School. In the summer of 1916 Burke rejoined his old regiment, the Royal Irish Regiment, which was