CIVIL RESERVE OF PILOTS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 103, 25 January 1939, Page 12

CIVIL RESERVE OF PILOTS

Many Inquiries For 100 Vacancies EVEN WOMEN EAGER TO JOIN / Though men only are required for the Civil Reserve of Pilots, some women have inquired if they could join. Applications were called on January 12 for the 1939-40 quota of train-

ees, and so great is the interest being taken in aviation that 380 inquiries were made within the first week for tne 100 vacancies available.

The Air Deiiartment called applications for the Civil Reserve from young

men of good education and physique who were willing to devote their spare time to learning to fiy. In addition to the 380 inquiries in the first week, there were 30. held over for the previous year, bringing the total to 410. The closing date for applications is February 10, and many more are expected. Candidates are also required for short service commissions iu the Royal Air Force. An announcement to this effect was made on January 14, and here agdin there is no shortage of applicants. In the first week 180 inquiries were made, in addition to wjiich 100 had been received before the announcement. It is probable thai many more will be received before the closing date. February 15. The number of short service commissions available to New Zealanders will not be known till the Air Ministry makes its allocations. Last year 150 direct-entry candidates were received from the Dominion by the R.A.F. In addition to these, 50 candidates were trained at the Flying Training School, Wigram, also for the R.A.F. The first batch will leave for England shortly. Work of Aero Clubs. No women have actually applied for acceptance as trainees in the Civil Reserve of Pilots, but a number have made inquiries from the Air Department. They have been told, however, that men onlj T are wanted. Candidates accepted receice 60 hours’ free flying instruction over a period of three years, 40 hours of which is taken in the first year. Twelve aero clubs in New Zealand now undertake this work, and about eight trainees are drafted to each club. - It is expected that by March 31, 193 J. 200 candidates, will have been trained for the Civil Reserve, which was formed with the objects of providing increased opportunities for learning to fly and of building up a reserve of pilots who will be available to supplement the Air Force in times of national emergency. The training year extends from April 1 to March 31. Pilots are not trained beyond the light aircraft standard, but are given sufficient experience to enable them to begin training on more powerful machines should the necessity arise. The reserve also provides a source from which pilots may be selected either'for a commission in the Air Force or the Air Force Reserve. The only obligation, apart from the initial training and two refresher courses. Is to undertake air force service in times of emergency.