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Aviation History
1953
1953 - 0703.PDF
FLIGHT, 29 May 1953 696-697 A Bofors gun crew of No. 2603 (City of Edinburgh) L.A.A. Squadron, another unit of which the Queen is Honorary Air Commodore. are trained primarily in the role of close defence of airfields. The A.O.P. squadrons, although part of the R.Aux.A.F., are at the tactical disposal of the Army, and this fact is reflected in the make-up of the units. The commanding officers and pilots are all from the Territorial Army, as are 50 per cent of the ground staff, but the aircraft are maintained by members of the R.Aux.A.F., with a full time R.A.F. adjutant acting also as flying instructor. All of the foregoing units have a healthy social side to their activities, many having town headquarters. Every effort is made to make the 15 days' compulsory training—a more descriptive name for which is summer camp—attractive. This year, n of the squadrons are going to Germany and a further five to Malta. It is planned, also, to send eight of the F.C.U.s to Germany together with two squadrons of the R.A.F. Regiment. Closely allied to the Auxiliaries are the university air squadrons, the primary function of which is to foster among members of the universities an interest in the R.A.F., with a view to their preparation for commissioned service in the Regular, Auxiliary, and Reserve air forces, the air branch of the Royal Navy, and the R.N.V.R., which has fighter and anti-submarine squadrons re cruited on regional lines in a manner very similar to those of the R.Aux.A.F. The university units are also designed to provide an interest in the technical side of flying and its associated pro blems, and to maintain liaison with the university authorities in research problems affecting aviation generally. The scheme was introduced in 1925, when the squadrons at Oxford and Cambridge were formed. Later, an additional squadron was instituted at the University of London. On the outbreak of war the squadrons closed down, but in 1946 the scheme was revived. Eleven university air squadrons were then estab lished as part of the R.A.F.V.R., and the present total stands at 17. Members serve either as commissioned officers or as officer cadets, according to their qualifications and previous experience. The majority, on entry, have no flying experience and the training syllabus is designed to bring them up to the standard of the R.A.F.V.R. Preliminary Flying Badge. Chipmunk aircraft are used but those advanced members who intend joining the R.Aux.A.F. on going down from the university may be given experience on Harvards, followed by further training in Flying Training Command to bring them up to full "wings" standard. In addition to the actual flying side, certain of the university squadrons also provide training in navigation, fighter control., technical and airfield construction duties. Of the three fighter control units, those established at Oxford and London are open to both men and women students. The Royal Air Force Reserve, as the title implies, is made up of the following classes : R.A.F. Reserve of Officers (ex-regulars and National Service list); Class E (ex-regular airmen); Class H (ex-National Service airmen); and officers and Class G airmen who are released personnel but are still liable for re-call in an emergency. The only channel of direct entry into the R.A.F. Reserve is through the R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve. Owing to strategic, economic and other considerations, major changes in the planning of the R.A.F. have been made. A direct consequence of this is that reserve aircrew requirements have had to be re-assessed, not only in numbers but also in age, experience and qualifications. This re-assessment has shown that it will be essential to concen trate on refresher training of young men with recent experience of flying modern operational aircraft. Suitable aircrew with the requisite experience will, during the next few years, be forth coming from National Service men and from young regulars who have completed short-service commissions. Only those members of existing aircrew who can satisfy the very strict conditions now to be applied will be given flying training. A large proportion of the R.A.F.V.R., aircrew whose flying experi ence dates from the war, will cease to be trained. Recruitment will, for the most pan, be from cadets of the A.T.C. and R.A.F. sections of the Combined Cadet Force who have successfully completed a flying scholarship. The numbers of ground personnel required has also been substantially reduced; nevertheless, large numbers are still required to meet deficiencies in the advanced and skilled trades, particularly in the engineering, radar and electrical groups. There is also a pressing need for recruits in the reserve flights of the control and reporting system. For the air-minded youngster there can be nothing better than membership of the Air Training Corps or the R.A.F. section of the Combined Cadet Force. The objectives of the A.T.C. are to encourage an interest in aviation, and to give training which would be useful in either civil life or the air forces. Command, training and adminstration (except for certain responsibilities vested in the Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Associations) come under Home Command, and these functions are exercised through six group headquarters and 51 A.T.C. Wings. In all there are over 800 squadrons and a total cadet strength of more than 40,000. Proficiency in training carries with it certain advantages for boys entering the R.A.F. either on National Service or on regular engagement. The boys are given many opportunities to fly, and selected cadets can also, on occasions, go in Service aircraft on overseas flights. In addition, cadets can undertake gliding training. For the really keen young men there are the flying scholarships, which enable cadets to be trained up to the Private Pilot's Licence standard. The flying scholarship scheme was introduced three years ago, and up to last March 1,075 scholarships had been granted. It is expected that a further 500 will become available during the current year. Cadets recommended for these scholarships have first to pass the full pre-assessment test as applied to R.A.F. aircrew candidates at the Aircrew Selection Centre, Hornchurch. Those who sub sequently complete the scholarship course have a good prospect of being accepted for flying duties on call-up for National Service, or on joining for Regular service. The flying training is under taken by the civil flying clubs. Another attractive scheme for A.T.C. cadets is that which allows for exchange visits with their opposite numbers in Canada, India, Pakistan and the United States. These trips provide most interesting experiences for the cadets. The Combined Cadet Force is based on schools, each of which has a basic section for initial training in subjects common to all three Services, and also one or more specialist sections. R.A.F. sections are trained under the supervision of Home Command and those with a strength of 30 or more cadets are provided with a primary glider, to enable gliding instruction to be given, during term time. The present strength of the 187 R.A.F. sections of the force number more than 6,000. Airmen and airwomen of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force at work in the operations room of the Fighter Control Unit in the London area.
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