TRAINING PILOTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23699, 4 July 1940, Page 12

TRAINING PILOTS

FAST MACHINE USED FEEL OF HIGH SPEED FIGHTER [from our own correspondent] LONDON, June 7 Among the aircraft on which pilots of the Royal Air Force receive advanced flying instruction is one which is probably the fastest training, aircraft in the world—the Miles "Master I." Designed especially to reproduce all the conditions of modern high-speed flying, the "Master I." marks a long step forward from the old-time trainers on which pilots once gained their wings. It has the look and feel of a highspeed fighter. It is, indeed, sufficiently powerful and manoeuvrable to be reckoned as quite a useful fighter or speedy general purpose aircraft. The Miles "Master" is a long-wing, cantilever monoplane. In its trainer form it has two seats arranged in tandem style and dual controls. A RollsRoyce ".Kestrel" engine, developing over 700 horse-power and fitted with a Rotol constant speed airscrew, gives it a wide range of speed and a normal maximum of about 250 miles per hour. The wings, which are very stout, have an unusual upward curve, giving the front silhouette something of the appearance of an inverted gull. The wing spau is 39ft. and the length just over 30ft. These measurements are much the same as those of the "Spitfire" fighter, and the wing loading is also similar. These similarities, and plenty of power under the engine cowling, help to give the "Master" its characteristic "fighter feel" which makes the newly-trained pilot feel at home when he goes on-to the standard Service fighters. The "Master" is used in the final stage of a fighter pilot's instruction at flying training schools. It is also a useful aircraft for giving newly-trained pilots instruction in dive and low-level bombing.

A safety feature of the fuselage is a strong metal former, or hoop, built out to the window fairing. This would protect the pilot should the aircraft nose over on landing. The windows are fitted with emergency catches on both sides for use in the event of a landing mishap.