Air Training Corps Starts Again With New Scheme Of Air Force Training

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 28, 9 March 1948, Page 8

Air Training Corps Starts Again With New Scheme Of Air Force Training

After having been in recess for several months during the infantile paralysis outbreak, the Air Training Corps will again commence to function as from March 10.

During the past few months, the A.T.C. has been undergoing extensive re-organisation for the purpose of establishing its future size, composition, and function in accordance rwith R.N.Z.A.F. requirements. In future the Air Training Corps will constitute the main recruiting ground, and the elementary training establishment for the air forces ofjlhe Dominion. Cadets will be selected for Town Squadrons according to their age, educational qualifications, and physical fitness. They will be educated to a syllabus of training drawn up by the R.N.Z.A.F. covering a period of two years. This syllabus will cater for both aircrew and ground crew cadets and will cover the following subjects: Drill and Administration, Aircraft Recognition, Small Arms Training, Pyrotechnics, Morse Code, Navigation, Meteorology, Principles of Flight, Engines, Airframes and Airmanship. On completion of his two years in an A.T.C. Town Squadron, and providing he has the necessary educational qualifications (3 years Secondary School), a cadet may qualify for Flying Training under the Government sponsored scheme. Under this scheme, cadets receive up to 30 hours free flying, through the'ir local Aero Club;

In No. 35 Squadron, Whakatane has one of the most keen and efficient units in New Zealand. It was one of the first Squadrons to operate its own flying scheme. The money was raised entirely by the cadets own efforts and all members of the Squadron had up to an hour’s free flying at the Tauranga Aerodrome. For its keen and efficient record it was recently awarded the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Cup, and a public presentation will be made Shortly. The coming year shows promise of being the best in No. *35 Squadron’s history, and all members are looking forward to their first parade. As recruits will now be enrolled during the first five weeks of training only, intending members w r ould be advised to make early application for membership’ to Whakatane Headquarters.