FIRST LINE SERVICING: CANBERRA [Main Title]

Part one of a two part RAF instructional film focusing on the servicing programme for the English Electric Canberra. Filmed at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire using Canberras from 18 Squadron, this film features in some considerable detail the routine servicing schedule before, between and after flight.

Reel one: The routine servicing schedule is normally carried out in the dispersal area on the airfield. A mechanic removes the cockpit cover and fits dust shields to the air intakes on the engines. An NCO checks the various safety switches, paying particular attention to the ejection seat, making sure that there is no possibility of the seat accidentally being ejected during the servicing of the aircraft. The tyre pressures and fuel tanks are all checked by a mechanic wearing protective clothing which must be worn at all times. An electrical mechanic checks the aircraft's batteries and electrical connections, while a radar mechanic checks panels and equipment and an air wireless mechanic checks the aerials. Preparations are made for a practice bombing raid, including checking and replenishing oxygen supplies. Each person who enters the cockpit must make sure to check that the safety pins in the ejection seat are in position, and the pilot's canopy and navigator's escape hatch must be treated with caution.

Reel two: The wing tip fuel tanks are fitted and the booms checked for leakage. If a leak is found the tank is drained and repairs made. Mechanics are reminded that a high standard of servicing can only be maintained if every tradesman is conscientious about their work. A servicing schedule is to be adhered to at all times. Staged scenes in the office of a senior technical officer with a visiting senior staff member, focusing on the damage caused to an aircraft due to a problem with a part which had not been identified during the servicing schedule, highlighting the need for all staff to know how to do their job. Further staged scenes on the airfield where a Canberra taxis out, watched by a number mechanics purchasing food and drink from the NAAFI truck. One of the mechanics spots that there is an issue with the aircraft and takes appropriate steps to warn the pilot and stop the aircraft taking off. As a result of the mechanic's vigilance, a local order calls for the inspection of flaps on all Canberras. Preparations are made for a Canberra to fly, beginning with the removal of covers and locks from the aircraft.

Reel three: A mechanic links the aircraft to an external power supply, while another mechanic inserts starter cartridges into the engines' turbochargers. The pilot of the aircraft completes his external checks of the aircraft. A mechanic removes the external rudder lock and all the airmen take up their starting positions, making sure to remove their caps so that these are not sucked into the engine air intakes upon starting the engines. The final checks are made and the starter cartridges are fired one by one. The danger of cartridges exploding and causing damage to the aircraft and injuries to those standing too close is highlighted. A number of final checks are carried out, including the flaps, air brakes and bomb bay doors. Once completed the chocks are removed from the wheels and the aircraft taxis out and takes off.

Reel four: For long range flights large fuel tanks are fitted to the aircraft's wings, and preparations begin by fitting the release pipes. The detonator is carefully inserted into the tank, then the electrical NCO checks the electrical connections including the detonator. The tanks are then carefully fitted to the aircraft. A mechanic then fills the tank with fuel, taking care to ensure to leave a gap between the fuel level and the top of the tank. A team working on aircraft used in the New Zealand Air Race are shown demonstrating how quickly an aircraft can be refuelled when the mechanics work as a team. The film ends with a reminder that safety rules and regulations must be adhered to at all times and must never be sacrificed, as lives depend on the aircraft being serviced properly.

35mm