State Should Support Air Training Corps, Says Dunedin Officer

Evening Star, Issue 26151, 12 July 1947, Page 8

State Should Support Air Training Corps, Says Dunedin Officer

Criticism of the lack of' arrangements made; by the Government for flying/training in the Air Training Corps was expressed to the ‘ Star ’ by Flight-lieutenant W. F. Forrester, officer commanding the Dunedin unit, No. 5 Squadron. . '

Although it is now-nearly two years since the end -of the war, the Air Training Corps, which in war time provided- valuable training for boys seeking ultimate entry into the Royal New-Zealand Air Force, is still flourishing.. 'No. 5 Squadron boasts a membership of between 60 and 70, and its activities are characterised ■ by much enthusiasm, he said. . - Four cadets are at present receiving flying instruction,- two. of whom have already qualified for .their A pilot’s license... It is hoped that two; more cadets-will'be selected for flying training soon; and even, more could 'be taught to fly if. the -.unit - had more funds. • '■ ■ .. - All of- the instruction is given .‘hy the. Otago .Aero Club’s, instructor; Mr

Although the Air Training Corps had units in the schools, most of the cadets did not even get a flight,-added Mr Forrester. The object of the Air Training Corps should be to give elementary training for- ■ the Territorial Air Force or the permanent Air Force. The Air Training Corps 'could give the instruction originally provided in the Initial Training Wing - of ■ the R.N.Z.A.F. during the war; NO OBLIGATION. Executive officers realise ,th£t the Air Training Corps is a voluntary organisation with no obligation- on its members to join, the iR.N;2.A.F. or any military organisation, although it "is a part of the R.N.Z.A.F. and is controlled by the Air Department., acting, through i. the . A.T.C.

Rob Bush, and it is estimated that the cost for each cadet will be about £st) for the complete course of training. ;• Of this, half is provided from the squadron funds and the rest is paid by;,the cadets themselves. FLYING INSTRUCTION. (Most boys joining the Air Training Corps, wish to get flying instruction, said Mr Forrester. ; An arrangement had been made with Aero. Club, to give selected’,, members ab initio flying training; and although the aero clubs had also been promised a. subsidy from the Government, no aid' had been forthcoming., ■ . v No. 1 5 Squadron had its own funds, which had'been collected by the efforts of the cadets themselves. All arrangement should be made either for a subsidy to be given; to, the corps-or Aero Clubs, or for training, to be provided by the Air Force. The latter'was done during the war years, and the cost to the members had been negligible, he said. ,

commandant, Wing-commander K. T. Trigance. It is pointed out; however, that the A.T.O. not only provides the training required for entry into the R.N.Z.A.F., but also lays a foundation for genera! training in academic and technical subjects, said Mr Forrester. The two trainees,who have qualified for -their; A licenses- are Warrantofficer R. E. Mansfield and Flight-ser-geant. V. J. Salmon. The other two cadets who have begun training are Corporals A. R. Quennell, and A. L. Goodley, and they will -ultimately sit for their A licenses. ' A description given by the instructor of one'of the cadets, said to be typical, was that he . had a -keen attitude to all aspects of flying. His flying was of a high standard and he had developed a high sense of airmanship. He was considered one of the most promising pilots in the club. -The corps meejjs twice a week in its Dowling street premises, and there is a band which parades once weekly.