The astronomical method of determining position is universally used in marine navigation and may also be of service in aerial navigation. The practical application of the method, however, must be modified and adapted to conform to the requirements of aviation. Much of this work of adaptation has already been accomplished, but being scattered through various technical journals in a number of languages, is not readily available. This report is for the purpose of collecting under one cover such previous work as appears to be of value to the aerial navigator, comparing instruments and methods, indicating the best practice, and suggesting future developments.

In connection with the standardization of instruments used in the wind tunnel, this investigation was undertaken to determine the nature and magnitude of the errors inherent in the measurement of air speed by a pitot tube when the instrument is mounted close to some other body. The mounting of the instrument in proximity to some other body is so frequent in flight and in wind tunnel research that it seemed advisable to investigate thoroughly the magnitude of the possible errors caused by such proximity. The results of this investigation will facilitate comparisons of the errors due to interference which have been reduced to percentages of the air-speed readings obtained under conditions of no interference.

This report is intended as a technical introduction to the series of reports on aeronautic instruments. It presents a discussion of those subjects which are common to all instruments. First, a general classification is given, embracing all types of instruments used in aeronautics. Finally, a classification is given of the various problems confronted by the instrument expert and investigator. In this way the following groups of problems are brought up for consideration: problems of mechanical design, human factor, manufacturing problems, supply and selection of instruments, problems concerning the technique of testing, problems of installation, problems concerning the use of instruments, problems of maintenance, and physical research problems. This enumeration of problems which are common to instruments in general serves to indicate the different points of view which should be kept in mind in approaching the study of any particular instrument.