Air Force Rules CF-100 Not For Reserve Pilots (c. 1955)
Item
Title
Air Force Rules CF-100 Not For Reserve Pilots (c. 1955)
Description
Air Force Rules CF-100 Not For Reserve Pilots
Although they are using T-33 jet trainers, the Air Force has decided that the ten RCAF Auxiliary Fighter Squadrons, including one in Hamilton, can not operate the latest jet aircraft. They will not be equipped with CF-100 long-range jet interceptors.
The reason given is that part-time fliers do not have the time to spend long hours mastering the more and more complex equipment that goes into today’s aircraft.
Commanding officer of the 16th Auxiliary Wing in Hamilton, Group Captain David Goldberg stated today that the morale of his auxiliary squadron was “very good.” A defence official said yesterday that morale among the auxiliary fighter pilots has already been affected by the decision to restrict CF-100 use.
“The auxiliary Air Force is a potent weapon,” said Group Captain Goldberg. “There is a lot of good spirit and ability wrapped up in it, that can be put to good use. This decision is a difficult thing for the men to bear with, but I don’t see any possibility of the force ceasing to exist.”
Captain Goldberg saw, as additional reasons for not giving his pilots the latest in jets, the fact that the auxiliary squadrons do not train radio-navigators needed in the CF-100, and that the increase in the size of ground crews and maintenance equipment, would be a very involved and expensive operation.
If the auxiliaries are maintained, they may be switched to a new role, such as transport - not a glamorous prospect for fighter pilots. Captain Goldberg, however, is confident that his men will fly “anything that is thrown at them, and do it well.”
If the Air Force scrapped the auxiliaries, it could establish several more squadrons to add to the 21 now in existence. THis however, would create a serious morale problem. Officials consider the auxiliary as much the backbone of a citizen Air Force in wartime, as the militia is of a citizen Army.
Although they are using T-33 jet trainers, the Air Force has decided that the ten RCAF Auxiliary Fighter Squadrons, including one in Hamilton, can not operate the latest jet aircraft. They will not be equipped with CF-100 long-range jet interceptors.
The reason given is that part-time fliers do not have the time to spend long hours mastering the more and more complex equipment that goes into today’s aircraft.
Commanding officer of the 16th Auxiliary Wing in Hamilton, Group Captain David Goldberg stated today that the morale of his auxiliary squadron was “very good.” A defence official said yesterday that morale among the auxiliary fighter pilots has already been affected by the decision to restrict CF-100 use.
“The auxiliary Air Force is a potent weapon,” said Group Captain Goldberg. “There is a lot of good spirit and ability wrapped up in it, that can be put to good use. This decision is a difficult thing for the men to bear with, but I don’t see any possibility of the force ceasing to exist.”
Captain Goldberg saw, as additional reasons for not giving his pilots the latest in jets, the fact that the auxiliary squadrons do not train radio-navigators needed in the CF-100, and that the increase in the size of ground crews and maintenance equipment, would be a very involved and expensive operation.
If the auxiliaries are maintained, they may be switched to a new role, such as transport - not a glamorous prospect for fighter pilots. Captain Goldberg, however, is confident that his men will fly “anything that is thrown at them, and do it well.”
If the Air Force scrapped the auxiliaries, it could establish several more squadrons to add to the 21 now in existence. THis however, would create a serious morale problem. Officials consider the auxiliary as much the backbone of a citizen Air Force in wartime, as the militia is of a citizen Army.
Date
Identifier
008.016.001