AIR FORCE TESTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 83, 18 January 1930, Page 6

AIR FORCE TESTS.

NEW. ZEALANDER J S SUCCESS.

HIGHEST CERTIFICATE GAINED

(Special to the "Guardian.")

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Advice was received yesterday that Squadron-Leader J. Lloyd Findlay, or the New Zealand Air Force, at present training in England, alone obtained the Al certificate out of 32 candidates at the Central Flying School. Squadron-Leader J. L. Findlay is 33 years of age, and a son of the late Sir John Findlay and Lady Findlay. He was born in Wellington. When the war broke out in 1914 Squadron-Leader Findlay joined the infantry as a second-lieutenant, rising to the rank of captain, and seeing service in France.' He to the Air Force in 1916, retaining Ins rank in his new sphere. From the beginning he was recognised as a brilliant pilot, and served in the Royal Air Force in England and Ireland until 1921, when he came to New Zealand. After two years he was appointed second in command at the Wigram Aerodrome, Major L. M. Isitt (then Captain Isitt) being in charge. When Major Isitt went to England in March. 1926, Squadron T Leader Findlay succeeded him in his post, and remained in that position until May of last year, when he left for a refresher course in England, being succeeded by Captain M. AV. Bucklev.

Squadron-Leader Findlay is one ol the best pilots New Zealand has known, and has carried out some marvellous stunt-flying on occasions, notably on the arrival of the Southern. Cross after the Tasman flight. He accompanied the Tasman flyers on their tour of the North Island, flying a machine with Mr H. A- Litchfield as passenger. It will be remembered that on the return trip from Wellington to Christehureh his machine was forced down at the mouth of the Conway River, where a fine landing was made on a narrow beach. He has made trips to Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin on several occasions.

The distinction which SaundronLeader Findlay has just achieved is the highest test which can be passed by a British aviator. The Central Flying School exists for a training in instructors' courses,* and is the leading centre for refresher and advanced courses for qualified pilots. The standard to be obtained in passing the examination for the Al certificate is exceptionally high.