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Aviation History
1936
1936 - 2219.PDF
FLIGHT. AUGUST 13, 1936. A Visit to the Civilian Training School at Sywell, Northampton : Some Sound and Novel Methods Illustrated by "Flight" Photographs THE civilian training schools scheme which the Aii Ministry recently adopted for converting raw material into trained pilots on ab initio types of air craft has now been in operation for little over a year. It was predestined to success as a scheme, and not the least attractive feature of its planning is the fact that the indi vidual training centres were given general instructions and allowed a comparatively free hand to carry them out Different schools, different methods, and at Sywell the scheme of training was launched under the auspices of the "parent" aerodrome at Brooklands, where Captain Dun can Davis has already enjoyed success in flying school work. Broadly, the Air Ministry set the following standards ol training to be completed in two months. The ab initio pilot had to pass out with fifty hours flying, which had to include advanced training of all degrees. On the ground he was required to have had satisfactory instruction in the elements of airmanship, air pilotage and maps, rigging, engines, armament, photography, and parachutes. Ol these subjects a written examination had to be passed in all except the armament and photography and parachutes, which were oral. Passing out in flying came as a test by an officer from the staff of the Superintendent of Reserve at Hendon These officers exercised an invigilating system of control over the aerodromes, and in the case of a doubtful pupil his flying would be tested by such an officer and a recom mendation for the pupil's future sent to the Superin tendent. Remote Control This control, though remote, has proved very satisfac tory. It has relieved the training schools of a great deal of responsibihty and unnecessary nursing, and at the same time has ensured that the right type of pilot is coming to the Service. The basic idea of an intensive training is logically earned out. There are no distractions from drill or orderly duties, and parades are limited to P.T. The result is that in two months the new-style pilots are nearly as fully trained as the former pilots were after twelve. The new pilots pass on to the Flying Training Schools of the R.A.F., and at the end of one year after their entry they are fully fledged Service pilots, with a sound working knowledge of all Ser vice functions. The old system meant that a pilot began his training after he left his school, and it was often two years before he became in any real sense effective in his squadron. The problem facing the training schools was to ensure the initial flying teaching of the pupils being carried through in two months. The adverse weather to be ex pected in winter months made no difference to the Air Ministry's requirements. A condition of the qualified free hand was that the training should be done in the stipulated time. Some schools could not help but be in arrears, but on the whole the results have been highly satisfactory. Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton, started its career as a training school for Service pilots on June n, 1935 Those who remember Sywell as a small aerodrome situated in the heart of England, patronised by a few exclusive private owners, will be most astonished at the improvement which has resulted from the R.A.F. expansion scheme. The landing ground is considerably enlarged and is now 160 acres in extent The run is 950 yards in any direction, though the ground slopes slightly to the north. This length of run is emphasised by there being an uninterrupted approach on all sides. No tall hangars or wireless masts obstruct the path, no trees on the boundaries or ditches across the middle limit the scope, and the finished job made of this rejuvenated aerodrome reflect; great credit on the En-Tout-Cas Company, which carried out all the work on the new part. Prior to the training school's arrival, ths aerodrome had twelve lock-up garage hangers Facing these, new accommodation has been built by T. Wilson and Son, Ltd., of Northampton. An exemplary layout has been effected . nobody in particular seems responsible, the plan being the
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