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YEAR BOOK 1926
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1926
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The next examination of candidates for entry as flight cadets to the Royal Air Force Cadet College, Cranwell, in September, 1926, will begin on June 22. On this occasion not less than 35 cadetships will be offered. Forms of entry, which can be obtained from the Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Burlington Gardens, W.I, will not be accepted in any circumstances later than May 6. All candidates must be fit and willing to fly and be between the ages of 17 and 19. With the exception of those nominated by the Air Council on the recommendation of headmasters, they are required to produce school certificates A or B, obtained by passing certain specified examinations, before their candidature is approved. The examination is, in the main, a written one, and is held in London and at various other centres, but each candidate must also attend at Interview Board at the Civil Service Commission. Successful candidates, after passing the Royal Air Force Medical Board, undergo a two years' course at the College, where, in addition to continuing their general education, they receive a thorough training in all questions concerning service aviation and cognate subjects, and graduate as pilots, on service aeroplanes. On passing successfully out of Cranwell, flight cadets are granted permanent commissions. They have before them a life career with good prospects of rising by their own efforts to the highest ranks. There is no question of their compulsory retirement on the ground that they have become too old for service as pilots. The work offers great scope both in its military and in its technical aspects to young men of ability, and facilities are given to officers to specialise in engineering, wireless telegraphy, air gunnery and other subjects. The responsibilities of the Royal Air Force in India, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt and the Mediterranean provide opportunities of serving abroad, but a tour of overseas service does not exceed five years. The total cost to a parent of putting his son into the Royal Air Force through Cranwell is about £250 for the two years' course. For flight cadets who are successful in obtaining prize cadetships or who are eligible for reductions in fees in respect of their father's service in the fighting forces, the total cost of the two years' training is considerably less. On first commissioning as pilot officers at the age of 20 or 21, officers receive cash emoluments amounting at present rates to about £275 a year, in addition to free quarters, light, fuel, rations and part services of a batman, and need no further assistance from their parents. After 18 months' service they become eligible for promotion to the rank of flying officer with substantially increased rates of pay, the cash emoluments at present rate being about £344.
The Air Ministry considers that the career offered by the Air Force compares very favourably with that offered by any other profession, and they desire to emphasise that to take advantage of that career it is quite unnecessary to be possessed of private means. The expenses in Royal Air Force messes are strictly limited and officers even of the most junior rank should have no difficulty in living on their pay. Full details as to entry into Cranwell are contained in Air Publication 121 " Regulations for admission to the Royal Air Force Cadet College " (price 6d. net) and more general information as to the career offered by the Royal Air Force is provided in an official handbook entitled " The Royal Air Force as a Career " (price 3s.). These publications can be obtained through any book- seller or direct from H.M. Stationery Office, Kingsway, W.C.2
Opening for a Flying Career
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Frank Whittle (Centre) enter the College as a Flight Cadet
● Inauguration of Old Cranwellian Association
HISTORY
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HERITAGE
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