APPRENTICES OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE [Main Title]

The training of RAF apprentice technicians.

Film of Vulcans in flight acts as introduction: "what keeps these aircraft... at the topmost peak of efficiency?" The film proceeds to look in some detail at the No 1 School of Technical Training, RAF Halton (Frank Whittle's name on graduates' honours board). The 4 basic fitters' trades, Electrical/Instruments, Armament, Aeroplane and Engine, are explained, and various stages of training shown: engine workshop; flight in 'Chipmunk' trainer; wind tunnel study of aerodynamics; a special classroom, connected as 'cockpit' with outsize demonstration instruments to 2 real engines; generators and instruments; weapon demonstrations (including Meteor's cannon and Aden gun firing); general classroom and social life scenes. A briefer similar sequence looks at the No 1 Radio School (at Locking). The film then portrays the life of newly qualified Junior Technicians: preparing air-air missiles for Swift fighters, or completely servicing Vulcan bombers prior to take-off. There is throughout a strong recruiting undertone: "A career in the RAF is a challenge to your enterprise and ambition."

35mm