AIR TRAINING SCHEME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24425, 10 October 1940, Page 5

AIR TRAINING SCHEME

GOOD PROGRESS MADE VACANCIES FOR MORE RECRUITS CHANCE FOR QUALIFIED . . TRADESMEN <FROM OUB PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER* WELLINGTON, Oct. 9. “Such good progress is being made under the Royal New Zealand Air Force training plans that an additional intake of recruits under certain trade headings is now possible, and, a large number of volunteers as flight mechanics, flight riggers and radio mechanics is now called fcr,” said the Minister of Defence (Mr F. Jones) in an interview to-day. The Minister explained details of the conditions and qualifications necessary. In the case of flight mechanics the standard aimed at was an A Grade motor mechanic’s certificate, but each application would be treated on its merits. Mr Jones said. Cabinetmakers, joiners and men from similar trades, including some classes of metal and fabric workers, were usually best fitted to be trained as flight riggers. In the case of radio mechanics, a thorough a practical and theoretical knowledge'was ;required, and those licensed as radi’gV or amateur transmitters Trad the best chance of selection. ' ' . 1

"In air three classes a good postprimary education ;is required,” the Minister continued. ■ “ Practical. experience, though an asset, is net sufficient without a reasonable educational background, as much theoretical work must be covered during the instructional courses. Flight riggers are taught the theory of flight, and radio mechanics must qualify in elementary physics and friagnetism, among other subjects. The selection will be made from, either single or married men possessing these qualifications, those of not more; than 30, years cf age being preferred. The selection committees are expected to complete the work of classifying by the end of this month. The Wellington committee is expected to begin about October 15. and those at Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill in the following ■week.” ,

Mr Jones said that the efforts of the men in the air must. inevitably depend upbh- the work done by the ground crews. If was necessary only to look at the-.great responsibilities entrusted to the .Air Force to-day to realise the vital 'part played by the met) whose duty ht was’to keep engines and air frames in first-class condition. The same applied to radio communication, without which the work of the Air Force would be much less effective.

“Perhaps the work may not be so spectacular or exciting as that of the air crews, but the men who volunteer for these duties are just as essential to our war effort as the pilots, observers and air gunners,” the Minister concluded. “In fact, the Air Force as a whole provides a perfect example of team work, and I am sure that there will be no lack of volunteers to fill these places in the team.”