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Aviation History
1943
1943 - 0562.PDF
224 FLIGHT MARCH 4TH, 1943 SPECIALISED TRAINING In June of the same year it was found advisable to put on a separate course dealing with the American Curtiss electric airscrew. Very shortly after this course startefl, the Rotol electric airscrew went into production, so instruc- tion on this type was included in the same course. It was realised, however, that one week was not sufficient fully to coyer the subjects dealt with, so arrangements were made with Headquarters of Technical Training Command to extend these courses and also that upon the hydraulic types to a fortnight, which permitted of practical instruction to be included. This practical instruction covers the complete dismant- ling and assembly of all the various types of airscrews dealt with in the appropriate course, coupled with practical instruction on installation. After the first four days, during which lectures on the various types are given, students are issued with overalls and passed to the assembly rooms, where they are divided into small groups, working on each particular type in turn. In the course on the electrical types, lectures having been completed, the electricians are separated from the fitters and, in turn, receive electrical instruction of a prac- tical nature on Curtiss and Rotol electric airscrews. Following requests from various R.A.F. Commands that practical instruction in field repairs to wood blades (ex- (Above) the Rotol travelingdemonstration van which •isits squadrons. (Below)demonstrating the variation in pitch and boost withthrottle control. Repairing a wooden blade for a Rotol airscrew. Instructorshowing how to shape the plug for a bullet hole. tensively used on Rotol airscrews) should be given, ij days of each course are now set aside for such instruction on repairs and re-covering of actual blades of various types. During the second week, pupils are given an oral exami- nation, the whole class being assembled together and ques- tioned in turn. Following the oral examination, they visit the school cinema, where instructional talking films are shown on overhaul, inspection, and production of Rotol airscrews. Each class is conducted round the Rotol Factory during one afternoon of the second week of each course, whilst electricians, in addition, spend an afternoon in the Elec- trical Repairs Department. Award of Certificates On the last day of the course, personnel complete a written examination and are released from duty until the afternoon, when they reassemble for general revision, after correction of their examination papers, and are dis- missed with a certificate to all who have acquired the .requisite number of marks. The final assessment of marks, which is passed through to Headquarters of Technical Training Command, is compiled from results obtained from both the written and the oral examination, practical results on wood blade repairs, and general fitting ability- It is fully realised that even with this steady flow of trainees attending the courses it would be impossible to keep pace with the expansion of the Services and intn> diiction of new types. In consequence, • the school was supplied with a small R.A.F. van, which has been fitted up with instructi6nal equipment, cine-projectors, flight tool kits, etc., and an instructor is detailed to carry-out instructional -lours arranged through, the various Com- mands. This travelling instructor works in close liaison with the Service Department of Rotol Airscrews, so that where possible the instiuctor's visit is timed to coincide with that of a representative from the Service Department. Ar.other of the many schools under the Technical Training Command, R.A.F:, which provide manufacturers' court.es is the'Dowty School of Aircralt Hydraulics. Obviously, the wide- spread use of Dowty hydraulic equip- ment for aircraft rendered necessary provision for technical instruction in its operating principles and mainten- ance. A large house with extensive
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