R.A.F. APPLICANTS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 22, 27 January 1931, Page 10

R.A.F. APPLICANTS

"BE PREPARED TO WAIT"

"I should like to warn all young'men who. wish to enter the Royal Air Force that they must be prepared to wait for some time when they arrive in London," said-Mr. G. M. Easton, who recently returned to New Zealand, and who is at present in Hawera, says the "Taranaki News." Mr. Easton, who formerly lived at Hawera and New Plymouth, obtained a commission in the Royal Air Force about two years ago, but after 18 months of service had to relinquish^ his commission as a result of a serious crash while he was flying a Bristol fighter at Holton Le Moor, Lincolnshire. He was in hospital for over seven months, and has now been invalided out on pension. Mr. Easton held the rank of pilot-officer. A prospective trainee should have between £50 and £100 in his pocket, for he would have to wait' five or six weeks at least before he could be admitted to a training camp. After filling in an application form he must go before a selection committee consisting of a president and usually four others, all officers of the Air Force, If the applicant is successful he must then be examined by a medical board, which conducts a very- thorough examination. ■ After satisfying the medical board, the prospective airman must await advice from the Air Ministry as to when he is to; commence his training. He is first sent for, a fortnight to TJxbridge, where ho attends lectures, is taught mess etiquette, and undergoes a course of physical drill. He ia also provided with a kit, though his full flying outfit is supplied later. From Uxbridge the young man goes to a training school, four of which are in England, and a_ fifth in Egypt. By means of a-"read-test" conducted at tho school the -instructors can generally tell whether .a man will make a good airman or not.: Flying training is commenced immediately and continues for 12 months. ' The' daily instruction consists of two hours' flying, two hours' lectures, and again two hours' Hying. Prowess in some kind of athletic sport is practically essential. A commission is terminated if a trainee cannot fly solo within a reasonable length of time. On the average, a man will get through after between five and twelve hours' dual flying. "Watch your step before involving yourself in the expense of going Home to join," was Mr. Easton's advice to those who might wish to join tho Air Force. He would be pleased to give any information to anyone who had thoughts in making an application.