The following is a list of training procedures that all non-combat ready pilots will have to go through in order to attain combat ready status. In certain cases, some of these steps may be waived, but a pilot will have to prove to CO, XO or myself that he is a competent, 100% Corsair pilot.

1) LEARN THE F4U-1A: Read the flight manual. Know the gauges, flight controls, flight settings, Vspeeds and settings, and any other related instrument or specification. Don't ask me" WHAT STALL SPEED CLEAN" is or "HOW DO I LEAN THE MIXTURE" if you haven't read the manual. I will gladly help any pilot who has attempted to find the answer first. Referencing the "Whistling Death" website will be a great help in completing step 1.
2) TAXI PROCEDURES: Learn how to taxi into position and around other aircraft and how to taxi into parking revetments and close quarters. ** Use of individual brakes is essential to step 2**
3) NORMAL TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS: 10 of these must be completed in sequence before advancing to step 4.
4) SPOT LANDINGS: 5 touchdowns within the first 100 yards of the runway must be completed before advancing to step 5.
5) FORMATION t/o's and ldgs: 5 of these must be completed before advancing to step 6.
6) TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS OVER OBJECTS: 10 of these must be completed before advancing to step 7. **Practicing at all three airstrips on the Babelthaup free-flight will aid in your training.**
7) BASIC AEROBATICS: The Immelmann, Split S, Roll, Loop and other general aerobatic maneuvers must be mastered before advancing to step 8. Use your flight sim training missions to speed your training.
8) CARRIER OPS: This will be the last step in Basic Flight Training. When and only when you have completed all of the above steps in BFT, will you advance to Carrier operations. Boys, if you thought flying and landing the Corsair was tough, wait until you try to sneak up on a flattop steaming full ahead, pitching up and down 20 feet! On certain occasions we will practice on a carrier that is docked on a nearby island. This carrier will be NOT IN MOTION and much harder to hit than a moving carrier, although the pitch won't be as bad. The life of your fellow pilots that have already made it on the deck and have parked to the side, is in your hands as you approach, land and taxi on the carrier.

Training is not meant to be a bore, nor is it to be taken lightly. This squadron and this war needs quality pilots, capable of taking the task at hand and performing it to perfection. Circumstances will arise that you are not prepared for, but after you leave my Basic Flight Training, you will be on your way to life as a Marine Combat pilot. Please enjoy your time at BFT, because it is the easiest time of your life as a Marine pilot.

REMEMBER: Three thing useless to a pilot- runway behind you, altitude above you and gas back at the airstrip!

Hound

224th Basic Flight Training Officer

Important!

Before any Pilot ever gets into an aircraft, he should know his ship's "Measurments." This is true in any situation, whether you are just getting your pilots license, or are a seasoned flyer. NEVER think that you can just hop in and fly anything.

On the nav bar at left you will see links to all of the Corsair Information you could ever want, courtesy of the Whistling Death Website put together by an exmarine who loves the Birds as much as we do, Wade S. Grant, USMC Retired...Thanks Wade for the outstanding information and letting the 224th have Free Reign of it.

Dark Knight

Commander, Air Group

USS Enterprise