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Pilot Training

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:32 pm
by neil40
Hi all

In the absence of a log book for my Uncle's RAF pilot career with Bomber command, I have obtained copies of the log books of his Navigator and and Air bomber.

While they are at 29 OTU flying Wellingtons, and also 1661 HCU flying Stirlings, my Uncle is often one of two pilots named on a training exercise.

Does anyone know if this would be a second pilot sharing the training, or maybe an instructor?
Example entry
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Thanks
Neil

Re: Pilot Training

Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:33 am
by PAFG
Hi Neil,

The first named pilot should be the instructor. I assume from your photo that your Uncle was Sgt Grantham?

Cheers,

Richard

Re: Pilot Training

Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:01 am
by PeteT
Just to add that the standard routine was for the crew to fly dual with an instructor followed by solo; I am assuming that the number of pilots shown reflected whether it was a dual or solo exercise.

Regards

Pete

Re: Pilot Training

Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:27 pm
by neil40
Richard

Yes, this is my Uncle, William Edwin 'Ted' Grantham, who went on to 61 Squadron and died on the crews 24th mission, on the night of 7/8 July 1944.

Pete

Yes, the early flights at 29 OTU are 'Circuits and Landing's' with the dual pilots, then the odd 'solo', a few more dual, then a run of solos toward the end of that period with various named exercises.
At 1661 HCU, a few dual flights and then mostly solo

Here, the Remarks are just Exercise 1, 2, 3, 4 etc.
Is there a definitive list of what these exercises were at the HCU bases on Stirlings? They go up to Exercice 19B

Likewise, the final training at No 5 LFS Syerston they do Exercises 1 to 7

Cheers
Neil (Grantham)

Re: Pilot Training

Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 6:18 pm
by PeteT
The exercises I have for 5 Lancaster Finishing School are:

1. Dual circuits and landings [DAY]
2. Solo circuits and landings [DAY]
3. Fighter Tactics (including evasion, corkscrews, diving turns and fighter affiliation) [DAY]
4. Cross Country and high level bombing [DAY]
5. Dual circuits and landings [NIGHT]
6. Solo circuits and landings [NIGHT]
7. Cross Country and high level bombing [NIGHT]

There may be other lists, but this seems to be fairly standard training based on the information I have gathered over the last couple of years.

Regards

Pete

[PS: Will dig out the HCU stuff for you later]

Re: Pilot Training

Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2016 9:06 am
by neil40
Thanks Pete, that's brilliant.

I look forward to the HCU

Neil

Re: Pilot Training

Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2016 12:38 pm
by PAFG
I'm sure I posted this before, but if not -

HCU Syllabus June '44:
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HCU Syllabus Jun 44 (2).jpg
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HCU Syllabus Jun 44 (3).jpg
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Re: Pilot Training

Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2016 12:40 pm
by PAFG
HCU Syllabus Jun 44 (4).jpg
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HCU Syllabus Jun 44 (5).jpg
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HCU Syllabus Jun 44 (6).jpg
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Re: Pilot Training

Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2016 12:41 pm
by PAFG
HCU Syllabus Jun 44 (7).jpg
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HCU Syllabus Jun 44 (8).jpg
HCU Syllabus Jun 44 (8).jpg (36.97 KiB) Viewed 9894 times
High res available if required, but takes a while by email.

HTH,

Richard

Re: Pilot Training

Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2016 1:54 pm
by neil40
Richard,

Brilliant
I would like a HD copy please. I will message you privately with my email address.

Neil