Training Type Aircraft

[petet]

I was just working through the list of training type aircraft that were utilised by No 35 Squadron and wondered if by 1916 / 1917 specific aircraft types had been singled out for specific training functions or was it a case of "use whatever you can find sitting around the aerodrome at the time you need it".

 

I am guessing that it was a free for all, but my enquiring mind kicked in so I thought I would check with the experts

 

Questions that came to mind were:

 

• were some types used specifically for observer, bombing or gunnery training?
• were some types built specifically for dual control pilot training?
• were the pushers and tractors utilised for differing purposes?

Your usual thoughts would be much appreciated

 

Regards

 

Pete

 

[MikeMeech]

On ‎13‎/‎10‎/‎2016 at 18:02, petet said:

I was just working through the list of training type aircraft that were utilised by No 35 Squadron and wondered if by 1916 / 1917 specific aircraft types had been singled out for specific training functions or was it a case of "use whatever you can find sitting around the aerodrome at the time you need it".

 

I am guessing that it was a free for all, but my enquiring mind kicked in so I thought I would check with the experts

 

Questions that came to mind were:

 

• were some types used specifically for observer, bombing or gunnery training?
• were some types built specifically for dual control pilot training?
• were the pushers and tractors utilised for differing purposes?

Your usual thoughts would be much appreciated

 

Regards

 

Pete

 

Hi

For an overall view of aircraft in the Training System then Appendix VIII of Volume III of 'War in the Air' has some information (below).  TU stands for Training Units although the notes at the bottom states it includes aircraft with the Grand Fleet and Anti-Submarine (but this would be only from the formation of the RAF).  Also it states the figures for 1914 and 1915 should be treated with 'reserve'. The main dual control aeroplanes will include the 'Avro (504)', DH.6, M. Farman and BE.2e plus some others.  There were both tractors and pushers for this role.  For various types of 'specialist' training types then a closer look at the actual training units establishments would be needed.  This would mean going through 'Flying Units of the RAF' by Alan Lake  and/or 'Royal Air Force Flying Training and Support Units' by Sturtivant, Hamlin and Halley, at the moment I do not have the time to do that as I am working on two presentations that I am due to give later this month.

 

Mike

[petet]

Thanks as always Mike for your comprehensive response.

 

It was a curiosity question really (ie it is not essential to my research) which came up as I drew up some charts showing when  No 35 Squadron had particular aircraft on strength and I started to wonder why they changed aircraft at particular points in time.

 

I may pursue an answer using the books that you mentioned if I get the opportunity.

 

Regards (and thanks again)

 

Pete