THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, June 2, 1937. AIR FORCE POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23206, 2 June 1937, Page 8

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, June 2, 1937. AIR FORCE POLICY

In a pronouncement which he made earlier in the year respecting the Government’s plans for the creation of an effective air force as part of the defence system in New Zealand, based on proposals submitted by its adviser, Wing-commander Cochrane, the Minister of Defence stated that negotiations had been opened with the aero clubs regarding the details of a scheme that would lead to the formation of a civil reserve of pilots. In an exposition this week of the Government’s policy with reference to aero club organisations the Minister has indicated that its plan for the creation of such a reserve is to pay for the initial flying instruction aftd subsequent refresher courses of suitable applicants willing to serve in the New Zealand Royal Air Force in an emergency, the number of learners for the reserve being limited to one hundred per annum. There are eleven approved aero clubs in the Dominion, all of which will be eligible for assistance of this kind under a plan adapted to local conditions and requirements. The idea is to provide opportunities for those who can devote their spare time only to flying, and to build up a reserve of pilots, who, though they have flown light aircraft only, have received sufficient instruction to prepare them for training in the use of other types should the need arise. The amount of training has been considered in relation to its cost, and provision is made for a supervision that will ensure coordination in the methods of training and a testing of the results. Apart from that, the Government disclaims any idea of controlling or interfering with the activities of the aero clubs.

The proposals seem to be sound and worthy of commendation, and it may be assumed that the aero clubs will agree that cooperation in the furtherance of them will be distinctly to their own advantage. The importance of the air arm as part of the provision for the defence of the country must be recognised, and in the development of it the creation of a reserve of pilots would seem to he an essential feature Of material there should be no lack. Aviation and everything connected with it arc making a tremendous appeal to the young New Zealander. Concrete evidence on this point was afforded recently in the avalanche of applications—well over two thousand in number —received by the Defence Department for the filling of four and twenty vacancies in the British and New Zealand air forces Under the reserve scheme there will be an increased outlet in the Dominion for this enthusiasm The extent to which aviation, particularly military aviation, may be associated with risk lias been painfully emphasised by the reports of an exceptional sequence of tragedies incidental to aerial demonstrations in Great

Britain during the past week-end. The association of these accidents with display performances is conspicuous, but it is reasonably pointed out that while “ aerobatics ” may provide popular amusement they are practised less for that purpose than because they constitute a very useful part of military training. An official report upon this unfortunate series of tragedies will be awaited with interest, even though it may have no particular bearing on the general question of the encouragement of proficiency in flying. That is an attainment which the younger generation in New Zealand clearly desires its opportunity of mastering.