Subsequently in August 1915 he applied for aviation duty and completed an observer's course and served with Fliegerabteilung (Artillerie) 219. Later he was accepted for pilot training and when he completed his training, he was sent to France in early 1917, serving for a brief period with Jasta Boelcke, and then went to Jagdstaffel 5 on 10 June 1917. He served as a Vizefeldwebel, along with Josef Mai and Otto Könnecke, two other enlisted pilots.
Following this in August 1915 he sought assignment to aerial duty and completed an observer's training program and served with Fliegerabteilung (Artillery) 219. Subsequently, he was accepted for flight instruction and upon completing his training, he was dispatched to France in early 1917, serving a short time with Jasta Boelcke, before joining Jagdstaffel 5 on June 10, 1917. He served as a Vizefeldwebel alongside Josef Mai and Otto Könnecke, two other enlisted pilots.