PILOTS IN THE AIR FORCE

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1930, Page 16

PILOTS IN THE AIR FORCE

AN AUCKLANDER RETURNS. After two and a half years’ service in the Royal Air Force, Flying-Officer F. N. Hamphill, formerly of Auckland, returned by: the lonic on Tuesday. While playing in the Air Cup Rugby competition in England Mr. Hemphill, says the New Zealand Herald, fractured his skull, and, although he has now made a good recovery, he has been invalided out of the force. “The members of the Royal Air Force are the fittest men in the world,” remarked Mr. Hemphill, who pointed out that to get into the Air Force to-day it was necessary to pass a very stringent medical examination. Many more men were available than were required, with the result that the medical board could be much more exacting in its requirements. Mr. Hemphill advised New Zealanders who had the Air Force in mind to pay close attention to the medical requirements. The chances of landing in England and securing an appointment immediately were remote, owing to the rush that was being experienced. It was essential that the embryo pilot from New Zealand should have sufficient money to keep himself in England for at least three months, and then to be assured of his fare back home. “It is an Expensive undertaking,” said Mr. Hemphill. “I know of at least six New Zealanders who are at Home very disappointed because they were unable to secure an appointment right away. Several New Zealanders are in the force and are doing well.” Pilot-Officer A. Washer, of New Plymouth, was one who was making promising headway. Pilot-Officer G. Easton, also of New Plymouth, had a serious crash and was to be invalided home shortly.