Vintage Wings of Canada -- Fighter Ground Schools

[Dave Hadfield]

I've had a couple of PMs referring to my post in the thread about B of B pilots and aircraft.

At VWoC, we do our annual Recurrent Training by holding Ground Schools during the winter months on many of the aircraft. These are real-deal formal ground-schools for out pilots flying or tranistioning onto the type. They're not for modelling or history purposes. We go through the aircraft systems, and then teach how we will fly them. Particular emphasis is on the "gotchas" for each airplane, and comparisons/differences with training vintage and modern aircraft. For our own pilots on type, they are mandatory.

The pattern is a Saturday of Ground School, then on the Sunday we do a cockpit famil, take pictures -- and if it's spring by then we might be able to fly it as a demo.

Anyway, we throw this open to the public for a fee, and anyone is welcome. They are quite popular. We plan for one a month. Details here

http://www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/ ... -2013.aspx

https://www.vintagewingsmembers.ca/even ... Enc=25E7C9

We call it Warbird U.




Dave

[Dave Hadfield]

We had our first Warbird U of the season, on the Hurricane. It was well-attended and lots of fun. One of the Instructors was Rob Erdos, who has flown the Hat Trick (Spit, Hurri and 109), plus the P-40, and was able to present a "comparisons" segment.

Mind you, I think Joe C has more fun.


All photos Rick Gorman

Very grim and serious classroom sessions...





Instructors...




Our next Groundschool is on the P-51, taught by Mike Potter and John Aitken, on Feb 08, 09. Seats are available. Contact Alison via the website. https://www.vintagewingsmembers.ca/even ... Enc=25E7C8

Dave

[ripcard]

Nice post Dave. Just signed up for Warbird U - Mustang. Thanks, Rick.

[Steve T]

Neat shot of the Gray Corsair inside CASM at Rockcliffe...didn't know she'd ever been in the museum.

S.

[Andrew Semon]

Dave

Do they still hold the Saturday portion of the course at the Aviation Museum- Rockcliffe?

Andrew

[daveymac82c]

I've got to add my two cents that the VWoC Ground Schools are fantastic! I went to the Spitfire Ground School taught by Rob and John last year and I had a really great time!

It truly is the real deal. You learn everything you need to know leading up to (but excluding) actually flying the airplane! The depth of the information is great, from understanding the complex systems, SOP's to actual flying techniques.

I highly recommend attending one!

Peace,

David A McIntosh

[Dave Hadfield]

Glad you've signed up, Rick. You'll enjoy the course -- John Aitken is the supreme professional: ex-Chief Test Pilot at the NRC, winner of the McKee Trophy, and all around practical down-to-earth pilot's pilot. I've flown with him a lot, sharing cockpits and in formation. Absolutely no crap, ever.

As Davie says, they are not entertainments. They are formal ground schools for the guys who are converting onto type, or renewing. The pilots are asking for the need-to-know stuff. We just sell the extra seats in the room. (Although we do include a historical segment, because this always influences the design-path of the airplane, and thus its individual characteristics.)

As for the room, we are doing both days at the VWC hangar. We actually have more training aids there -- several Merlins, and we have more access to the airplane. We don't worry about "finger-oil contaminating the artifact". The Museum has its job to do, but it's static. And we aren't.

I'll be there.

Dave

[Dave Hadfield]

Had another Fighter Ground School, the P-51D Mustang. It was well attended. Well received.

We have been teaching these in the VWoC facility. Pretty-much a full house, for the boardroom.



And of course the best teaching aid is....



The Chief Instigator himself, Mike Potter, helped teach the course. He has a lot of warbird time now.



Sharing the lunch room with V-12s, and others....



Everyone takes a turn in the seat, touching things and getting a feel for it.


All photos Rick Gorman

The next one is the Spitfire GS, Feb 22. There may still be seats. http://www.vintagewings.ca/Home/tabid/4 ... fault.aspx

Dave

[ripcard]

Great post Dave. Warbird U edition is next weekend. I'll be there.

[Dave Hadfield]

I can't make it for the Spitfire GS, but I know you'll enjoy it.

Have fun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q32dfigYV3k

Dave

[OZFURYFAN]

Hi Dave, when is the next Corsair ground school? I know of someone who may want to attend, cheers, Pete

[Dave Hadfield]

The Corsair GS is March 22, 23.

It's taught by Paul Kissman, ex RCAF F-18 Squadron Commander, and Test Pilot at the NRC Flight Lab. Paul is our Chief Pilot, and prime demo pilot for the Corsair. Good guy.



Dave