R.A.F. SELECTIONS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20108, 30 November 1939, Page 4

R.A.F. SELECTIONS

CANDIDATES CALLED COMMITTEE AT GISBORNE OVER 30 KEEN YOUNG MEN Over 30 keen young men from this district, anxious to obtain entrance to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, were examined to-da.v in Gisborne by a selection committee of the Air Force, comprising Group Captain T. M. Wilkes, Mr. E. Caradus, senior inspector of secondary schools and director of educational services, and Flight-Lieutenant A. C. McArthur. Candidates for the air force are required to meet an educational, standard equivalent to matriculation, m respect of those desiring to take commissions; and the physical and age standard's are exacting, men not falling into the age group between lfi and 25 years not being acceptable for piloting. For those who cannot meet these qualifications, however, there are openings in the non-commis-sioned ranks of the force, and men are accepted for observing and gunner service who may not be able to pass into the commissioned groups. Among those examined in Gisborne to-day were a number of schoolteachers, young men of good educational standard to whom the intricacies of mathematics involved in navigation should offer no difficulties. All candidates accepted by the air force will enter as aircraftsmen, and opportunities for advancement will be forthcoming in short order.