SEA LEGS

摘要

The period from 1945-49 was one of change in the Fleet Air Arm, just as in all of aviation. By 1947 most of the wartime volunteers had gone, to be replaced by four-year short service commission aircrew, of which I was one. Most were ex-Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve members who had chosen to sign on. Squadrons were running at about 15 per cent of their wartime numbers. Most of the commander flying and lieutenant commander flying roles were filled by ex-RNVR personnel, with only single-engine experience. This was a disadvantage. Us short service commission types had more relevant experience to be the senior squadron aircrew. In 1945 the Admiralty was encouraging Royal Navy sublieutenants and lieutenants to train for aircrew, so as later to have senior officers with practical experience when handling aircraft on carriers. The bait was that this would improve their subsequent chances of promotion. Some, therefore, were not flying because they wanted to, but to help their career prospects. Lieutenant engineers were particularly encouraged because they could become maintenance test pilots. By 1949 a lot of the ones I knew were dead, generally in accidents. Either flying standards were not high enough or they took unnecessary risks.