Description
Object description
British cadet trained as pilot with Fleet Air Arm in GB, 1955-1956; officer served with 803 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm in GB and aboard HMS Eagle in GB coastal waters, 1957-1958
Content description
REEL 1 Background in Hitchen, GB, 1932-1954: family; education; period as apprentice at De Havilland Aircraft Coy at Hatfield. Aspects of enlistment and training as aviation cadet with Fleet Air Arm in GB, 1954: attitude to prospect of National Service; selection procedure and initial medical setback; joining training carrier HMS Indefatigable, 5/1954-1/1955; pattern of training; accommodation; training aboard minesweeper HMS Bevington, 1/1955-5/1955 including dealing with drunken petty officer.
REEL 2 Continues: discipline on board. Aspects of training as pilot with Fleet Air Arm in GB, 1955-1956: reporting late to 1 Flying Training School at RAF Syerston, 5/1955; instruction on Percival Provost; cross country flight to RAF Fairoaks; pattern of flying training; move to 7 Flying Training School at RAF Valley; contrast between De Havilland Vampire trainers and Mark Vs; opinion of instructors; passing out rate and parade; interest in helicopters and subsequent posting to 738 Sqdn at Royal Naval Air Station Lossiemouth; character of Hawker Sea Hawk; effect of Suez Crisis on training.
REEL 3 Continues: pattern of weapons training. Recollections of period as pilot with 803 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm in GB and aboard HMS Eagle in GB coastal waters, 1957-1958: working up period; question of accuracy of air to air firing; incident of dropping fuel tanks on ranges; use of mirror sight for deck landing; landing on HMS Eagle; launch from hydraulic catapult; exercise off Norway; problems with location of Hawker Sea Hawk's fuel tank and squadron losses; workings of ejector seat; outmoded nature of Hawker Sea Hawk; completion of short service commission, 5/1958.
REEL 4 Continues: question of suitability of Hawker Sea Hawk for ground attack role; attitude to flying; importance of familiarisation with equipment; relations between Fleet Air Arm and naval personnel; background of squadron pilots; parent's attitude to his service; story of Commander Meek's wartime experience; memories of fellow pilots who became airline pilots.
REEL 5 Continues: civilian employment after leaving Fleet Air Arm; use of immersion suits; question of use of alcohol prior to flying; flying clothing and helmets worn; question of ejecting from aircraft; lessons learnt from service career.