The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-20
Pensacola Has Only Such Station In America, Com
 mandant Declares

How Uncle Sam selects and trains his naval aviators at his only such training station. situated on Pensa- cola bay at Pensacola, Fla where the oldtine navy yard has been con verted to it's present use, was told by the commandant, Capt. James J. Raby. L. S. N, in an address before the Birmingham section, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Alabama Technical association meeting in the Hillman hotel dining room Wednesday night. Members or the Birmingham Flying club were in- vited guests at the meeting.
 Captain Raby's hearers probably have much more respect for the naval aviator since learning the details Of his training. The regular classes composed of from 40 to 70 men, as signed to training twice yearly are chosen from commissioned officers who have been with the fleet Tor at least two years, according to Cap tain Raby. Ten per cent of the class is composed of United states marine corps officers. All candidates volunteer for aviation training, ap- proximately 40 per cent of them be- ing disqualified in the physical ex- aminations before they are assigned to the naval aviation training sta tion, Captain Raby said.
 When the student arrives at Pensa- cola he is given course which roughly includes one months ground school. five months seaplane and ground school work, at the end of which time he is entitled to wear a naval aviator's wings. and then IS given three months land plane ana advanced seaplene instruction. Captain Raby dropped another 15 per cent at the end of the six months period this average number being dis
 Taf in ground school or inaptitude for flying.
 In addition to the classes for of ficers, about one in two years an enlisted mans class Is put through the first six months course. after which tho successful members are designated naval aviation pilots, MT. Raby stated Upon completion or their courses, the aviators and pilots are assigned duty at the different ar stations ashore and afloat and their training continued.
 sPsycholo gical makeup plays . ma jor part In determining what men are chosen to enter the naval aviation training classes.
 The flight surgeons check and a board of officers pass upon this phase e before man is designated and all during the training period the student is carefully watched by his instruc- tors. the flight surgeons and the air station staff, Captain Raby informed his audience.
 Qualifications Necessary.
 Briefly, Captain Raby outlined the qualifications of naval aviator as follows Qualifications in at least four types of seaplanes and three types of land planes, all of different sizes and characteristics, and must exercise in scouting, bombing, gun merry, launching torpedoes, spotting for surface craft, combat and patrol work: he must be good radio opera tor To check closely, frequent exam nations are held and failures are dropped at once from the classes.
 Captain Rabys detailed account of the training was followed closely by the engineers and their guests. He was the target for many questions when he concluded. In answering one query, he particularly urged sup port of the commercial airplane in- austry, drawing 8 picture of the possibly of flying to Atlanta or New Orleans in a luxurious air limousine, true despite his testing tone.
 Howard M. Gassman, chairman oK the Birmingham section, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, pre- sided at the meeting. Vice Chairman Moore introduced Captain Raby.
 Lieut.. J. N. Crandall U. s. N, as signed to recruiting duty in Birming- ham, discussed his situation in the district briefly, and received prom : ise of support from those present. He praised Birmingham's attitude to- ward national defense, especially the Chamber of Commerce's activity and interest.
 The next meeting of the engineers will be held January 16, with 'Team- work" the topic of discussion, MT. Gassman announced. The Alabama Technical association will meet with the Birmingham section, he stated.