TRAINING AIRMEN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20083, 1 November 1939, Page 8

TRAINING AIRMEN

DOMINION CENTRES CO-ORDINATED SCHEME OVER 1700 MEN ENGAGED MINISTER'S OUTLINE (Special to tlie Herald.) WELLINGTON, this day. Air Force training in the Dominion is now so thoroughly in operation that the Minister nf Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, was able to give a number of details regarding the methods of instruction and the use of training centres distributed throughout the country. The whole scheme of instruction is being well co-ordinated towards the end of effectively training air staffs and ground personnel.

“Including instructional staff,” said the Minister, “there were over 1700 men engaged in air force training. This number is being increased every day because we have no difficulty in securing a good type of recruit.”

The Weraroa training centre, it was explained by Mr. Jones, is being used for ground training of observers and air gunners, who afterwards would go to the spacious new aerodrome at Ohakea, near Bulls, to finish training after which they are drafted to other points as required. Wireless personnel is being trained at Christchurch and aimament training is being conducted at Wigram, Christchurch. The administrative personnel, which is being trained at Christchurch, comprises equipment assistants and other officers who will go to other centres after they are efficient for these duties. Elementary TrainingOn the flying side ground training starts at Weraroa. Elementary .flying training is also being done at Taieri where 38 recruits arc receiving this form of instruction.

Training at Wigram for flying personnel is more advanced and, at present 30 men there are in the intermediate stage and 21 are undergoing advanced flying training. The latter at the end of November will be available for duty wherever needed. Schools for the training of mechanics are in operation at the railway workshops at Otahuhu, Hutt, Addington and a fourth school will commence at hillside on Friday. Upon completion of their mechanical training, the men are drafted to various centres for ground work needed in maintaining " the machines in an efficient flying condition. New Plymouth is being utilised ns a second elementary training school for flying personnel.

The Woodburn aerodrome, near Blenheim, is covering the same course as that provided at Wigram. The Minister added that the instructors available arc quite adequate for this extended scheme of training. Everything is working smoothly and the necessary buildings are being pushed on at a rapid rate. •