1927 - responding to a cluster of fatal aviation crashes, a commission
examines the causes and solutions. Among the recommendations was a tighter
standard for pilots. A number of pilots were released from their duties
and others, including P.Rucelis, received warnings.
June 18, 1928 - receives his full pilots' accreditation (end of the standard new
pilot probationary period).
August 6, 1928 - flies the Letov S.16 for the first time.
Rank: First Lieutenant
1929 - logs 190.28 hours of flight time, the second highest in the air force.
Dec.13, 1929 - along with Egons Juergenssens, dies in the crash of Letov S.16 #52.
January 4, 1930 - the Riga stock exchange leadership donates 2040 Lats to the families of the two aviators killed in the crash.
January 7, 1930 (Military Order No.515 (3)) P.Rucelis name is removed from ranks of active Aviation Regiment officers.
Sources
- Bruvelis, Edvins Latvijas Aviacijas Vesture
- Latvijas Kareivis, January 5, 1930
- Latvijas Kareivis, January 9, 1930
Photo by B.Rouse
