TRAINING AIRAWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 April 1940, Page 8

TRAINING AIRAWN

BRITISH COMMONWEALTH SCHEME. , INTENSIVE INSTRUCTION COURSE OTTAWA. Pilots in this war wilt be trained to a much higher degree of efficiency than in 1914-918, provision having been made under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan for intensive instruction extending over a period of twenty-eight weeks. The majority of pilots will, proceed overseas, although a small percentage will be absorbed in the homo defence squadron. Air observers, also, will bo given a long course, lasting for twenty-six weeks, while air gunners will be enabled to proceed overseas on active service or take their place in the home defence squadrons of Canada. Australia and Now Zealand after a period of twentyfour weeks. According to a press release. issued by the Canadian Government, "all pupils will be enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force . as aircraftmen. Class 11. Pilots, air observers and air gunner:; will undergo a course of instruction for a period of four weeks in an initial training school. Tiie pupils whom it is considered should make good pilots will then proceed to an elementary flying training school for eight weeks, continuing thdnce to a service flying training school. Eight weeks will bo 1 devoted to training in an intermediate squadron in the service flying training school, and eight in an advanced squadron. Two weeks of this final period will be spent at a bombing and gunnery school, where the pilot near-! ing the completion of his course may I secure the necessary additional experience in the manipulation of bomb sights and guns with which service aircraft are equipped.

“From the initial training school, an ail- observer will be posted to an air observers' school for twelve weeks, to :t bombing and gunnery school for six weeks and to an air navigation school for a further period of four week.s. The pupils: whom it is considered should make good air gunners will proceed from the initial training school to a wireless school for sixteen weeks and conclude their course at a bombing and gunnery school, which will extend over a period r.f four weeks.

"Ou completion of their training, pilots wilt Lie entitled Io the rank of Sergeant, though a proportion may bo selected for commissioned rank. Air observers will be given a rank of Acting Sergeant or Sergeant, depending on the number of marks obtained throughout their course, and a proportion of Ihe successful pupils may be selected for commissions. Wireless operators who qualify as air gunners will be entitled to the rank of leading Aircraftman. Aircraftman. Class 1. oi- Aircraftman. Class 11. depending on the percentage of mark's obtained on passing out of training.