Converting onto the Whirlwind (Fighter)

Most of the Whirlwind pilots did their conversion onto the Whirlie at the squadron level. Of the two logbooks I have read it was after a single, one hour, twin engine familiarisation flight in an Oxford.

Some of the pilots in both squadrons had previously gained twin engined experience whilst flying with other squadrons.

Paul

Thanks Jerry, interesting info. Does this then mean that multi-engine training was done on the squadrons??

Hi
A blenheim was also used early on by 263Sqn also.
cheers
Jerry

The only tricky part of flying a twin is learning to handle it asymmetrically once you lose an engine. I would guess that more than likely some time would be spent on an Oxford or Anson as part of the conversion to type

Moggy

Thanks Paul, just the sort of info I was after. I must say I wouldn’t fancy tackling the Whirly with only an hour on twins behind me!

As a matter of interest Sqn Ldr Tony Gaze [RAAF] 41 Sqn Spitfire ace flew his last combat mission in a Spit XIV on the morning of his conversion to the Meteor [twin]. Log book shows him on armed recce AM [Spit] and Meteor first flight PM.. he had no previous twin time..

Jimmy Coyne, a 263 Squadron pilot, provided an excellent description of his first flight in a Whirlwind in Flying Under Fire Vol.1. Flying Under Fire is a series of accounts of RCAF aircrew from WWII. Well worth a read.

Paul