PILOTS' RESERVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 16

PILOTS' RESERVE

FEWER APPLICATIONS

'•free flying lessons !

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED

Since only 25 applications have been received by the 'Government for enrolment in Auckland this year under the Civil Reserve of Pilots, the closing date has now been extended, according to advice received from the Government by Mr. L. W. Swan, secretary of the Auckland Aero Club. The original closing date . for applications was February 10. The Civil Reserve of Pilots, which is distinct from the civilian section of the Air Force Reserve, was formed with the object 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 only obligation on members of the reserve, apart from the initial training and two annual refresher courses, is to undertake Air Force service in times of such emergency. Course of Training

Applicants to be enrolled under this section are trained by the nearest aero club free of cost, the Government paying all the fees for such training, which consists of 40 hours' flying in tho first year, followed by two annual refresiher courses, each of 10 hours' flying. Applicants for enrolment must be natural-born British subjects, and the sons of parents both of whom are, or were at the time of death, British subjects. They must have attained the age of 17$ yeaxs and be under 25, besides having obtained the school certificate or having evidence of a satisfactory standard of knowledge. Physics, or elementary science, and mathematics arci essential subjects for flying training, and evidence of proficiency in thesis subjects is required. Candidates musi; also be medically fit in accordance with the standards prescribed for "B" licence pilots. Permanent Employment A special form of enrolment may be obtained from the Auckland Aero Club, and this, after being completed by the applicant, is forwarded to the Air Secretary, .Air Department, Wellington. Candidates who _ possess the necessary qualifications will be advised that they have been placed on the list of candidates to be interviewed by the selection committee. It is anticipated interviews will be held early next The first batch of trainees completed training in the year ended March 31, .1938, and an examination of now trainees shows many instances where advantage was taken of the scheme to gain permanent ' employment in the air. Two of the first party trained at Mangere aerodrome how hold commissions in the Royal Air Force. Another two are in the employ of Union Airwavs, Limited, on the AucklandWellington run, .and another Civil Reserve trainee is at the moment taking an instructor's course at Mangere.

AIR FORCE CAMP TRAINING AT HOBSONVILLE While pilots of the Auckland territorial squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force, are undertaking bombing practice on the upper reaches of the harbour, over 60 men from othe,r ranks of the unit commenced their annual period of consolidated training at the Hobsoxiville air base yesterday. The men will remain in camp until February 28'f\hd they will be inspected next Thursday by the Chief of Air Staff, Group-Captain the Hon. R. A. Cochrane. :[

The most intensive period in the bombing practices is likely to be reached to-day and to-morrow. The exercises are being conducted over the area across the entrance of the Henderson Creijk and between the old Hobsonville and Te Atatu wharves. Members of the squadron are using the Blackburn Baffin machines and dropping smali pmctice-bombs on fixed ground targets,