How long did it take to become a fighter pilot in WW2?

At the beginning of the war, flight training lasted nine months, with three months of primary, three months of basic, and three months of advanced training. Each pilot had 65 flying hours of primary training and 75 hours of both basic and advanced training.

What were the requirements to become a pilot in WW2?

All potential pilots had to complete at least two years of college, to prove their intelligence and provide them with a decent level of education. They had to be between 18 and 26 years old, ensuring young, healthy candidates with a long career potential. They also had to be unmarried.

What was the survival rate of a WW2 pilot?

The most dangerous were the first and last five trips. During the whole war, 51\% of aircrew were killed on operations, 12\% were killed or wounded in non-operational accidents and 13\% became prisoners of war or evaders. Only 24\% survived the war unscathed.

What was the average age of a World War II fighter pilot?

In WW2, fighter pilots on all sides tended to be a very youthful bunch. 21 or 22 was about average; 25 was considered mature, and 30 positively old aged! Yet there were many successful WW2 fighter pilots aged around 30, some even older. The names of Bader and Malan spring to mind – both 30 in 1940.

Do the RAF teach you to fly?

Your specialist training begins with Elementary Flying Training, flying the Tutor or Prefect aircraft. You will then be streamed to fast jet; multi-engine or rotary (helicopter) flying training.

How many Spitfire pilots died in ww2?

The Pilot Flight Lieutenant Spinner White receiving fatal injuries in the crash. On the 3rd of September 1939 the Royal Air Force had 306 Spitfires, of which 187 were operating in eleven fighter squadrons….Mk XIVe.