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After yearling year graduation ceremonies, the class split into two groups. Ground cadets left on furlough while the air cadets marched on to troop trains for primary flight training. At the flight schools, the cadets became "Dodos" (a plebe-like status) for 6 weeks of flight and ground school. After eight hours of flying time they soloed and advanced to cross country flying and aerobatics. This picture shows the PT-17 Stearman "Kaydet" trainers they used. These two-seater biplane introduced by Stearman Aircraft (subsequently acquired by Boeing) were widely used during World War II. Despite its almost obsolete design, its simple, rugged construction made it ideal as a trainer for novice pilots. The Kaydets had fabric-covered wooden wings, single-leg landing gear, an over-built welded-steel fuselage and radial engines. PT stood for "Primary Trainer". |
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WPH011-3 album.jpg
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