LURE OF FLYING

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 159, 2 April 1937, Page 10

LURE OF FLYING

Remarkable Demand For Commissions

TRAINING OF AIRMEN 2100 Applications For 24 Vacancies “There can be no doubt at all as to the alrmindedness of young New Zealanders,” said the Minister of Defence, Hon. F. Jones, last evening, when commenting on tlie remarkable demand for short-serviee commissions in the Royal Air Force and positions in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. “Quite literally thousands have applied for a limited number of vacancies in both services.

"The response to the Government’s advertisement in tlie New Zealand newspapers on March .18 last for applications for appointment to the British and New Zealand Air Forces has been astounding,” continued the Minister. “Although the vacancies totalled 24, including 12 short-service commissions in the Royal Air Force, with training in England, seven for training in New Zealand, four vacancies for pilot officers in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and one permanent commission in the Dominion for an engineer officer, the applications, so far, aggregate no fewer than 2100. And the entries do not close until April 5! Comment appears to be superfluous. It has been obvious for a long time that the youth of New Zealand have been keenly interested in aviation, but no one, I venture to say, could have realised up till now, how alluring the art or science of flying has become and how intense enthusiasm for it actually is in New Zealand. The replies to the call for applicants hold promise of satisfactory results from tlie Government’s policy of aviation expansion. "Our own Air Force at. present comprises 21 officers and 170 otlier ranks, but provision has been made for a steady building-up of tlie service. The Force will require at least 70 additional pilots during the next two years and, it is hoped, in addition, to provide opportunities for those who can devote only their spare time to flying. Negotiations with aero clubs arc in progress to this end, and there is prospect of the establishment of a civil reserve of pilots.

Exceptionally Fine Type. “This avalanche of applications for commissions in the British aud New Zealand Air Forces shows very clearly that there is no dearth of eager young men. Moreover, tlie applications reveal the appreciable fact that an exceptionally fine type of youth is offering. The qualifications prescribed for applicants were necessarily high aud almost stringent, including a suggested medical examination before applying. It is to be regretted that on numerical grounds alone there will be a great deal, of inevitable disappointment for enthusiastic applicants. Tlie utmost care will be taken in selection. I am confident that tlie highest possible standard of fitness and ability will lie secured for those training as military air pilots at Home and in New Zealand.” From tlie date on which tlie successful candidates report for initial training until they are posted to the Royal Air Force they will receive pay at the rate of £l5O a year as well as free quarters and rations or equivalent allowances. An outfit allowance of £l6 is payable (in joining the Flying Training School at Wigrain and flying ami working clothing will Lie issued on loan.

Rates of pay in tlie Royal New Zealand Air Force are as follows:—Pilot officer from £3OO up to £420 a year, flight lieutenant £520, squadron leader £630. These rates are rather less than the scale provided for the Royal Air Force.