TRANSPORT CAPTAIN [Main Title]

The task for RAF Transport Command is the movement by air of freight and personnel, both military and civilian around the world via a series of staging posts. Each staging post is commanded by a transport officer. The film illustrates the activities of the transport officer in some detail at a large staging post, and also follows a typical flight routed via several staging posts.

Reel one: Film opens with a view of the blue sea and palm trees surrounding Malta as Avro York (FM 400) lands at RAF Luqa, a major staging post. Crew and passengers disembark for a two hour break and refreshments. A variety of ground crew attend to the aircraft (refuelling, maintenance, cabin cleaning) while the transport captain and a colleague discuss details of the ongoing flight, to the staging post at Tripoli. The colleague wants a change of job to transport captain but is worried about complaining passengers, and asks what his overall responsibilities entail. The transport captain proceeds to explain a typical multi-stage flight from the United Kingdom to the Middle East.

Film cuts to RAF Lyneham, Station headquarters. Views of parked aircraft being prepared for flight. Others in hangers for engine servicing followed by a test flight. The transport captain's office is the hub for a large variety of forms submitted by officers from each branch of the station as their allocated responsibilities are completed and signed for. This paper work is necessary to ensure a smooth passage of the aircraft as specified in the flight schedule. The load carried by the aircraft must be balanced by sufficient fuel for the flight, avoiding excess fuel which would have to be consumed by circling the airfield before attempting to land. The importance of dingy drill is paramount, film cuts to crew in life jackets practising exit from top hatch of an Avro York.

Reel two: The aircrew are briefed for their flight, given in some detail because Transport Command flights are individual in flight path, well away from air space routinely flown by other RAF and civilian aircraft. The briefing officer addresses the crew of the ongoing flight; the pilots, navigator, radio operator, engineer receive the latest information relating to their responsibility, whilst a ground maintenance team conduct a full check and cleaning of the aircraft. Film cuts to freight storage area as the freight and passengers luggage are sorted, loaded into the aircraft and the cargo manifest prepared. The transport officer explains that all operations at a Staging Post revolve around planning to schedule to ensure a smooth flow and interlocking of the services provided. The briefing officer gives a flight plan folder to the crew, containing complete details of the flight and actions taken both in the air and on the ground since the initial departure from Lyneham. An important document is Form 700 (an aircraft servicing form) which accompanies the aircraft giving engineering details, and whilst in flight, hourly reports of the aircraft's performance. Thus both air and ground crews are aware of the current status of the aircraft.

Film cuts to flight engineer walking around his aircraft inspecting all external components, boarding the aircraft, starts and running up the four engines checking their serviceability. The traffic officer has all the papers necessary for the flight and mail for the diplomatic bag. The cargo manifest is the last chance to change any details before it is signed and given to the aircrew. The transport captain stresses the importance of all ground operations and flight departures running to their allocated time, as in the flight schedule, thus assuring smooth progress for all concerned.

Reel three: The transport captain and his colleague are seen sitting in the lounge bar, watching the transit passengers drinking. Some complaining about their current experiences; air turbulence, poor heating, indifferent cabin staff. Others are more content. The passengers are called for boarding. The transport captain concludes that the incoming flight crew have let Transport Command down, with poor dress, poor steward service, and the flight captain failing to communicate with the passengers. Film shows the boarded passengers listening to safety procedures, the new cabin stewards attending each passenger, and the flight captain walking down the cabin talking to the passengers, all helping to inspire confidence. Food for the passengers is loaded. To cope with a mixture of passengers, "give service without being servile" the station captain advises. The flight captain, navigator, and engineer enter the cockpit, the engines started, last checks made as the Avro York taxis to the runway and takes off. Cut to view of Avro York climbing smoothly as the navigator and radio operator guide the aircraft to the next staging post, Malta.

Reel four: Film opens to Avro York in flight and cuts to navigator taking an astro sight, to fix the aircraft's position because radio beacons are not available everywhere. The radio operator receives half hourly radio transmissions from any staging posts in the vicinity and passes them to the navigator. About 2 hours before E. T. A. they advise the staging oost of their position. Film shows aircraft descending gradually to minimise ear discomfort as the Avro York is not pressurised, arriving over the Staging post and landing. The traffic officer enters the aircraft and checks the manifold list, passengers disembark to the reception area, some of the freight is unloaded and ground maintenance crew commence work. The aircraft is scheduled to fly onwards, the incoming crew are debriefed, as the outgoing crew (the slip crew) arrive. The film closes as the transport captain emphasises to his colleague the whole operation that comprises a multi stage flight must follow the flying schedule which itself relies upon the collating of the many service forms submitted to the transport officer. The colleague has gained confidence and in due course is promoted to a transport captain.

35mm