New Britain herald., 1927-07-02
IIJOINING AIR FORCE
 l BECOMES DIFFICULT
Many Fed Called But Only { Few Are Chosen

Although the recent boom in avia-
 ton has encouraged large number of young men from New Britain, Meriden and Middletown to attempt to get into tho army aviation ser. vice, 1t il not easy to accom- mplish. according to Sergeant William Bul. lock, who has charge of the recruit. ing station in these mentioned cities.
 So great has been the demand for enlistment in the flying branch of the service, and 50 difficult has 1t become. ac ording to Sergeant Bull lock that he has accepted only two applicants since Colonel Lindbergh flew to Paris, although fully 50 boys from this city have applied and have been turned down because they fail ed to qualify. This same situation applies in Meriden and Middletown. More than a mere desire to get into the army or to learn to fly is required. according to regulations. It Is necessary that an applicant for the aviation service must be 8 high school graduate or have the equiva- lant of a high school education or trade 5lool education. In case he does not have these qualifications he must be an expert tool maker, ma chinist OF cabinet maker.
 Enlistsd men in other branches Of the afmy who can qualify, as well as civilians, are eligible to make ap- plication for examinatit Il to become flying cadets. They must be unmar- ried, between the ages of 20 and 27 inclusive. of sound physique and ex- cellent health. Application for per- mission to take the examination is made to the adjutant general of the United States. Once successful candidates have received their appointments, orders arc issued to provide the cost of transportation from their home to tho primary flying school of the air corps at San Antonio. Texas. This is the school where Colonel Lind bergh was taught to fly.
 While at school cadets are paid $75 month cash. ill addition to meals, lodging. medical service and uniforms. Provision is also made for recreation and social life.
 The instruction at the school is divided into two classes-flying in- struction and ground instruction. Flying instruction usually consumes the morning hours. During the pe- riod the government has operated this school more than 1000 air pi- lots have been taught to fly. while the casualties have been less than one per cent.
 The ground instruction consists of theoretical aeronautics and funda- mental military subjects. This in- cludes tho theory of flight instru- ments, airplane motors, meteorology, radio telegraphy, aerial navigation, sketching aid map reading, theory of photography and personal equip- ment of the pilot.
 Upon graduation from primary field, which is a six months course, the/ students are passed on to Kelley field where they g|t an advance course in more technical phases, do six mons of actual flying. receive certificates as airplane pilots and are commissioned as second lieutenants In the Officers "eserve Corps.
 Graduates are not required to en- ter the regular army. although from this point it is but step to a com- mission in the flying service5 Many pilots from this school have gone in- to the air mail service.
 Don't let the public get the idea that entrance into the school is easy or that it is an easy life," said Ser. |geant Bullock. "The work is hard and demands brain and muscle as well as much technical skill. Only the best type of young men finally graduate"
 New Britain has three boys who have entered the service for the pur- pose of taking up aviation.