AIR FORCE PILOTS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 150, 21 March 1939, Page 11

AIR FORCE PILOTS

More Civilian Reservists To Be Trained

EXTENSION OF SCHEME

An increase from 100 to 150 in the number of pilots to be trained under the civil reserve of pilots scheme during 1939 was announced yesterday by the Minister in Charge of Aviation, Mr. Jones. He said that this was an extension of the scheme which was introduced in 1937, under which 100 selected candidates have been accepted for training with various aero clubs throughout the Dominion each year. The scheme had been most successful, and it had been decided this year to increase the number of trainees. “Members of the civil reserve of pilots undertake to complete 40 hours’ Hying training in their own time within six months of being enrolled, and to undergo a 10 hours’ refresher course during each of the following two years,” said Mr. Jones. “They are liable to be called upon to serve in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in time of national emergency. A very satisfactory response was received to the advertisements throughout the Dominion calling for applications for training. Under the scheme there has been built up a very useful reserve of pilots who, though they have flown only light aircraft, have reached a very high standard of flying efficiency, and are available for immediate training on service types of aircraft and service duties.”