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Aviation History
1932
1932 - 0019.PDF
FLIGHT, JANUARY 1, 1932 PASSING OUT R.A.F. CADETS, CRANWELL /* [|r^ HE following are extracts from the Report of Air \J\[ Vice-Marshal A. M. Longmore, C.B., D.S.O., Itl Commandant of the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell, at the passing-out inspection of Flight Cadets, December, 1931. The inspection was carried out by Air Vice-Marshal T. I. Webb-Bowen, C.B., C.M.G. The present strength of the College is 128 Flight Cadets. The present IV Term, now passing out, numbers 31 Cadets. The conduct and discipline of the Cadet Wing, during the period under report, has been very good and there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of minor offences. One offence was one against Flying Regulations and to this, although I did not find it necessary to take very severe disciplinary action, I wish to draw special attention. The Flying Regulation contravened in this case was that which forbids turning at low heights except under special circumstances. This manoeuvre when indulged in carelessly or ignorantly, in particular by pilots still under training, is a prolific cause of accidents. Pupils are given experience of low flying, in company with their instructor, in order to give them a measure of skill in case they are forced by bad weather or other emergency to come down to low heights whilst on solo flights. Flying and turning low under other conditions is strictly forbidden. Thirty-one Flight Cadets of the IV Term have completed their flying training. Those going to Fighter Squadrons have qualified on Siskins and the remainder on Atlas aircraft. In addition, those Flight Cadets going to Day Bombers Squadrons have had some dual experience on the Fairey Fox. All the Flight Cadets passing out have completed over 20 hours solo on Service types and an average total flying of 111 hours on all types. It is with deep regret that I have to report one serious flying accident since July. On November 24, 1931, Flight Cadet Norman Gilly Dathan crashed in an Atlas aeroplane and subsequently died on November 30 as the result of his injuries. This Cadet had completed eight hours solo flying in the Atlas and was regarded as a very satisfactory pupil. The accident occurred in the vicinity of one of the practice landing grounds and was due, so far as can be ascertained in the absence of complete expert evidence, to the pilot stalling the aeroplane during a climbing turn at a height of from loo to 200 ft. from the ground, which allowed insufficient height for him to regain full control before the aircraft struck the ground. In connection with this accident, I have to record the very prompt and praiseworthy action of three labourers who pulled Flight Cadet Dathan out of the pilot's seat whilst the machine was burning. I am glad to say that we have been able, by private subscription amongst the Officers and Cadets of the Command to arrange for the presentation of mementoes to the three young men concerned, Mr. C. \V. E. Barnard, Mr. J. G. Clark and Mr. F. L. Wilson. An examination of the more serious accidents during the pa^t six year* reveals the fact that these mostly occur in the Cadet's third term, in his early solo on Service types, when his skill as a pilot may not have reached the level of his confidence. A commencement has been made at the College with the introduction of Instrument Flying, and two Avros are already in the Flights fitted with the necessary hoods and special instruments. In English Literature and History the general standard of the term passing out is high, though it leaves a record of industry rather than of original thought. Two external lectures have been given this term, one on Mount Kamet by Mr. F. S. Smythe, and the other on High Speed Flying by Flight-Lieut. Stainforth. In connection with these lectures, it is of interest to record the recent installation of Sound-Film Apparatus in the Command Cinema. In accordance with a recent decision of the Air Council to increase the amount of time devoted to the instruction of Cadets in the keeping of accounts of non-public funds, the periods hitherto allotted to instruction in R.A.F'. Organisation for the IV Term in the set programme of work have lieen transferred to Administration. This provides for sufficient instruction to be given in the general principles of Service Accounting and the keeping of non-public accounts, also in Stores and Store Accounting procedure, which will be of considerable benefit to Cadets when they become junior officers in the General Duties Branch. Since July, the total number of Cadets admitted to hospital was 34 as com pared with 55 admitted during the period December, 1930—June, 1931. Of these, 4 were due to motor-cycle accidents, I was due to a flying acci dent, 13 were due to other minor accidents, and 16 were cases of illnesses. The Rugby match against Sandhurst was lost by 25 points to 8 points, and against Woolwich the College won by 14 points to 5 points. The standard of Association Football has improved considerably. Of 14 matches played, 6 were won and 6 lost. The match against Woolwich resulted in a draw. Arrangements are being made, next Term, for instruction and practice in refereeing in such games as Association, Rugby, Hockey and Athletic sports, the object being to enable Cadets, even though themselves not expert in those games, to referee and supervise the recreation of their men m their future units. The Beagles have been hunting regularly (twice weekly) since the middle of September, and have shown very good sport. The average number of Cadets taking part is noticeably larger than last season. The R.M. Groves Memorial Prize, for the best all-round pilot in the senior term, has been awarded to Flight Cadet W. P. Sutcliffe. The Sword-of-Honour, presented to the best all-round Flight Cadet in the Senior Term, has been awarded to Flight Cadet R. H. E. Emson. AIRCRAFT APPRENTICES, HALTON Air Marshal Sir Geoffrey Salmond inspected the School of Technical Training for R.A.F. Apprentices at Halton, Bucks, on December 16, on the occasion of the passing-out of the 19th entry. The apprentices who have passed out now become airmen in the Royal Air Force. The following are extracts from the report by Air Commodore N. D. K. MacEwen, Air Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force, Halton: — The apprentices now passing-out from Halton form the 19th entry to pass into the service on completion of the course of apprenticeship training. Of the 458 boys originally attested, 20 were posted to the Electrical and Wireless School for training as electricians ; 10 were granted discharge by purchase, 10 were discharged on medical grounds ; 23 were discharged as " unlikely to become efficient airmen," 1 was remustered to aircrafthand, 1 died, 40 were transferred to junior entries, while 40 were transferred from senior'entries ; leaving 393 to pass out from No. 4 Apprentices' Wing, Halton. These have been trained in the following trades : Fitter aero engine, 188; metal rigger, 143 ; fitter armourer, 15 ; fitter driver, petrol, 32 ; coppersmith and sheet metal worker, 15. As a result of the final examinations 50 aircraft apprentices, representing 12-7 per cent, of the entry, have been classified as leading aircraftmen, 269 have been classified as aircraftmen, first class, 61 have been classified as aircraftmen, second class, 2 aircraft apprentices failed to qualify, and 11 were not examined owing to sickness. This entry has maintained the high standard of discipline set by previous entries. It has been helped to a very large extent by the institution of sergeant and corporal apprentices. Improvement has been shown in physical training. Instruction in this important branch of a boy's training has improved as the establishment of physical training instructors has been increased, and it has been found possible for them to take refresher courses. The technical training of this entry has been accomplished with satisfactory results. Fitters, Aero Engine.—The completed exercises of the apprentices of this trade show a very high standard of skill in their basic fitting work. This part of the apprentices' training is, perhaps, somewhat monotonous, but it must be remembered that it is the basis of craftmanship. Fitters, Armourer.—The standard of proficiency in fitting is again well up to the high standard required for armament work. Fitter, Driver, Petrol.—The syllabus for training apprentices of this trade has been the same as for the Fitter, Aero Engine, so far as their basic fitting is coneerned and their exercises testify to their ability as fitters. This is the last entry of apprentices to be trained in this trade. Metal Rigger.—The January, 1929, entry is the second entry to be trained in this trade in No. 4 Wing. They have benefited considerably by the experience gained in the training of the 16th entry. The basic syllabus has The Halton R.A.F. Apprentices inspected by Air Marshal Sir Geoffrey Salmond, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., D.S.O., on December 16. been developed on the lines of a light metal fitter. The completed exercises show a very good standard of metal work. Coppersmith and Sheet Metal Worker.—Fifteen apprentices commenced training in this trade. The apprentices of this trade have not shown the usual keenness in their training and although the standard of work of about 50 per cent, of the entry has been of a high order, the results generally are somewhat disappointing. Educational Training.—This entry has created the impression that they are not up to the usual standard of apprentices on joining. They have required considerably more driving in their school work to maintain a satis factory general average, but in spite of every effort, the number who have failed to qualify educationally is considerably above the normal. I want those apprentices who have failed to realise that they must work hard to pass their educational tests at the first available opportunity ; they will find that the sooner they take this test the easier it will be. In no previous entry has the difference in ability between fitters and metal riggers been so marked. The system of allocation of new entries to trades is that the boy who passes in highest has the best chance of being trained in the trade of his choice. This results in the fitter trades obtaining the greater proportion of the best boys. I think that this is because neither boys or their parents have any idea of the requirements of the trade of metal rigger, and feel that the chances of finding employment in civil life are better for the fitter, aero engine, than for this other trade of which they have never heard. The question of the alteration of the name of the trade will be dealt with in due course. But it must be realised that any change of name is a matter for very serious consideration. The metal rigger is trained to a very high degree of skill in metal fitting. To introduce the name of fitter as at present understood, implies a knowledge and skill of hand in engines. We are not alone in our difficulty over the name for this trade. The aircraft industry is faced with exactly the same question. There has been an enormous change over from wood to metal work during the last few years in furniture, fittings, buildings, vehicles, etc. Parents should realise that metal riggers in the Royal Air Force have been trained to a high degree of skill in what is now a very useful and universal trade. Health.—The general health of the entry has been satisfactory. There were no epidemics of infectious disease. Awards.—The Lord Wakefield Scholarship has been awarded to Francis, C. C. Cadetships.—Cadetships have been offered to Sanders, A. T., and Francis, C. C. Elliott Memorial Prize.—The Elliott Memorial Prize has been awarded to Leates, J. 19
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