Summary: Flying instruction in Avro 504 trainers at the RAF North Eastern Area Flying Instructors School, Redcar, 1918 or 1919.
Description: (Reel 1) An instructor shows a naval trainee pilot how to fit his flying helmet and speaking tube. A pupil from the Army is shown how to fasten himself into his seat. The instructions after this are illustrated in three ways: by showing the movement of the controls in a dummy cockpit, by showing the pilot's point of view while in the air, and by showing the machine in the air performing the actual manoeuvre. (The cameraman's shadow on the dummy cockpit is very noticeable and distracting.) The procedure for starting the engine, and the relationship between the controls and control surfaces is explained. A line of pupils in Avros takes off for a training flight. The effect of moving the stick and rudder bar in flight is illustrated. (The film of the pilot's viewpoint is often indistinct and it is hard to discern anything.) The pupil shows how to fly straight and level. (Reel 2) The pupil is taught that in a steep turn the rudder acts as an elevator, and vice versa. Correct methods of taking off are shown, covering the main faults and methods of taking off into a cross wind. Landings are covered in the same way. The pilots practise forced landings in a small, enclosed, field. The film ends abruptly.
Production Details: Royal Air Force (Production sponsor)
Royal Air Force (Production company)
London Photo Centre (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Royal Air Force, North Eastern Area Flying Instructors School (regiment/service)
Keywords: aircraft, British - light military: Avro 504 trainer (object name)
training, British air - specialist: pilot & [+] (object name)
Redcar, North Riding, Yorkshire, England, UK (geography)
Instruction (concept)
camera (concept)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Silent
Soundtrack language: None
Title language: English
Subtitle language: English
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 2
Footage: 2138 ft; Running time: 36 mins
