To Form Whangarei Air Training Corps Unit

Northern Advocate, 19 February 1942, Page 4

To Form Whangarei Air Training Corps Unit

Formation of a Whangarei unit of the Air Cadet Training Corps will be advanced a further stage in the next few days, when youths between 164 and 18 years of age, who have volunteered, or intend volunteering, will be interviewed by Squadron-Leader W, S. R. Bloomfield, North Island Divisional Commander, and staff. Headquarters during the visit will be First Floor, Public Trust .Building, Bank Street, Whangarei, and prospective cadets and those who have already volunteered are requested to call at the above headquarters between the hours of 9 a.m. to 12. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., to be interviewed by the selection committee.

The syllabus of training is laid down as a minimum training necessary for entry into the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

One night parade a week will be held, with occasional week-end parades. A typical night parade will consist of: 40 minutes’ navigation,- 40 minutes’ air force drill, 40 minutes’ lecture on airmanship and 20 minutes of physical training.

Interesting Syllabus The syllabus includes training in first aid, air raid precautions, anti-gas and air force drill. Apart from the subjects in reguiar pre-entry training, air crew units will study aero-engines, airmanship and aircraft recognition.

Subjects dealing' with radio theory, electricity and operation will form most of the training for the radio group, and internal combustion engines and air frames will be studied by prospective flight mechanics and riggers. Emphasis is to be laid on physical fitness, and Mr Higgins, of the Physical Welfare Depart- ! ment, will undertake to supervise this i part of the syllabus. It is emphasised that although the ! training may be regarded as a form of I i pre-entry training for air force personnel, [membership of the corps does not permit! I a trainee entering the air force when lie 1 I completes his course or when he reaflms : the age of entry into the air force. ! Parents’ consent must still be obtained! before a lad under 21 years of age can , enter the air force, even although con- j sent has previously been given to join; the Air Training Corps. While making l this point clear, it is emphasised that the I purpose of the Air Training Corps is to i prepare lads for entry into the air force! if needed, and it is desired that trainees I should, from the outset, intend to join | the air force when eligible, as air crew I or technical personnel are required. '