/ periscopefilm  

This WWII training film takes a look at the procedure for a proper take off in accordance with the US Army Air Force. It follows a narrative of a bushy eyed pilot in training as he takes his first flight with his instructor as well as his first solo take off. It is an Official Training Film of the War Department (:11) and was produced by the 1st Motion Picture Unit (:22). It opens with the fresh pilot, Mr. Blake as he distractedly bumps into peers while watching another plane take off and fly over the air field (1:11). His peers jokingly mention Mr. Blake was eager to learn everything in a day and head out to Berlin tomorrow as this was filmed during the second world war. He then nearly backs into his instructor who informs him he will be flying a Vultee BT13 Valiant; which was the basic trainer aircraft used during WW2 (1:54). The BT13 had a 450horsepower engine and it’s rudders, trim tabs, and variable pitch propeller are pointed to (2:22). As Mr. Blake is about to jump into the cockpit, the instructor stops him to check the baggage compartment (2:27) and the gas tank as the gas gauge may be incorrect (2:41). The pair then climb into the plane (3:25) and the instructor will walk Mr. Blake through the entire process. Some of this includes the plugging in of the headset, fastening seat belt (3:35), unlocking controls and adjusting his seat and rider pedals (3:43) as well as setting the altimeter (4:04) and raising the flaps (4:07). It is best practice to start on the fullest tank (4:24) and to keep both of the tanks within ten gallons of one another (4:24). A control check and instrument check both must be conducted prior to starting the engine (4:37) and a second check is to follow after it has been started (4:42). Mr. Blake then adjusts the throttle (4:57), turns the ignition switch on and begins to build up fuel pressure to drive the engine (5:08). As the engine kicks on the propellers begin spinning (5:27). Regardless of the parking brake being set, the instructor informs him he must keep his feet on the brakes while the engine is running (5:52). Mr. Blake then radios the control tower that they are preparing to take off (6:04). Other planes on the airfield begin moving forward and the pair nearly knocks into another plane demonstrating it is vital to keep eyes moving around the field (7:33). He is told to use the rudder for turns and never the brakes unless necessary (7:46). Preparing for takeoff, he stops just short of the take off lane at a 45degree angle (8:05). Another check of the instruments ensues (8:11). In order to counter act torque from the engine which pulls the nose to the right or the left, two points are chosen in the foreground to balance the nose between (6:57). The throttle is used to clear the engine after it has been idling for any amount of time (10:12). The flaps are rolled down (10:57) and the throttle is opened slowly (11:16). Once having reached the shallow climbing altitude (11:53) the plane begins to lift itself from the runway (12:19). Mr. Blake then levels off to gain speed (12:28). The plane climbs higher and passes 150 feet in the air (13:00). The new pilot then takes his first 90degree turn (13:05) and then another (13:26). The flaps are rolled up and he adjusts the throttle for cruising rpm (14:13). After they land (14:47), the instructor asks Mr. Blake if he had remembered everything to which Mr. Blake replies with the important things (16:04). The instructor takes him from the plane and regoes over the entire process as all of the points are important (16:37). The day then comes when Mr. Blake gets to do his first solo take off (19:27). He narrates each of the points learned as he goes through the process of the checks and preparations for takeoff (20:45). In flight he conducts the same maneuvers as he had done with his instructor (22:58). At the end of the film, just prior to conclusion the new pilot, still in the air, says he had remembered everything and there was nothing to worry about, except for the landing (24:26) insinuating there is a second part of the training film which will specifically look at landing procedures (24:26).

The Vultee BT13 Valiant was a WWIIera basic (a category between primary and advanced) trainer aircraft built by Vultee Aircraft for the U.S. Army Air Corps, and later U.S. Army Air Forces. A subsequent variant of the BT13 in USAAC/USAAF service was known as the BT15 Valiant, while an identical version for the US Navy was known as the SNV and was used to train naval aviators for the Navy and its sister services, the Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com