FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1940
1940 - 1204.PDF
A total of five hours must be spent in the Link Trainer, thirty minutes of this being devoted to tests. The in- struction is, of course, of an elementary nature, and the nine practices given are in the "calm air" condition. First, the pupil is familiarised with the apparatus, the hood being left open for this purpose. Straight and level d FLIGHT, April 25, 1940. ELEMENTARY TRAINING (CONTINUED) Getting set for an afternoon's instructionalflying. It will be noted that some of the Tiger Moths retain their civil markings. flight at various speeds is the first practice after the hood is closed, being followed by climbing and gliding ; practice turns; t ins at rate-^ and rate-i, and later at rate-i| and rate-2. A period of revision is fol- lowed by the "T" test and "U" test, these symbols indicating the nature of the course which is to be followed. On the range the armament instructor familiarises his class with the intricacies of the Vickers K gas-operated gun and the Browning. The latter is demonstrated from a fixed mounting complete with belt box as on a fighter aircraft. "Dud " rounds are introduced into the belts to simulate stoppages, and the pupil must learn to remedy these with alacrity. He can see from his firing what a compact group the Browning will make even with long bursts. Practice is also given with the Service revolver. This is par- ticularly desirable, for few people are naturally dead shots with a pistol. Routine The comprehensive programme of technical instruction is not allowed to interfere with dis- ciplinary training. A Warrant Officer is responsible for discipline and drill, and gave us an outline of a typical day so far as it con- cerns routine. The pupils are up at 6.45 in the morning for five days a week. From 7 to 7.30 they have a thorough work-out under the P.T. instructor, and by 8 are fully ready for their breakfast, for which half an hour is allowed. The first parade and inspection is at 8.45, after which the various sections march off to the lecture rooms or the aerodrome. Lunch is from 12.30 to 1.30, and work goes on till 5, which is tea-time. Supper is served at 7 o'clock and roil-call is at 10.30 p.m. Lights-out sounds at 11. One after- noon a week is devoted to organised games and drill, and there are full facilities for squash, soccer, rugger, tennis and baseball. Each pupil is allowed one long week-end's leave per month, which may not seem much, but which is more than acceptable during such an exact- ing course of training. (Above) Where the budding pilot may relax. The spacious and well-lighted ante-room is provided with all the usual facilities for reading, writing or indoor games. (Left) Practice with the Service revolver and the care and handling of this weapon form part of the training at these elementary schools.
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
