The often unseen and unrecognised element in aerial warfare, is
that of training the pilots and crews, yet it its value is beyond
calculation. In this fundamental role, a wide variety of aircraft
were used by the Luftwaffe, with trainee pilots progressing from
simpler, older machines, such as the Klemm 35, the Focke-Wulf Fw 44
and the Bucker 131, to the more sophisticated Arado Ar 66, the
Gotha Go 145 and the Arado Ar 76, as well as heavier aircraft like
the Junkers W33 and W44. Gradually they would be introduced to
newer and faster models that enabled them to experience, to some
degree, the type of aircraft they would be flying in combat.
Recruits would initially spend six months at a
Fliegerersatzabteilung or training depot, where the main emphasis
was on drill and physical training, with introductory lectures on
the principles of wireless operation and map reading. This would be
followed by two months studying general aeronautical subjects,
before being sent to elementary flying school. The various kinds of
aircraft used for training depended upon the role each individual
trainee would eventually undertake, from single-seat fighters to
multiple-crew bombers or transports. For example, those men
ear-marked to become bomber pilots trained on early versions of He
111, the Ju 52, Ju 86 and the Do 17. In this, the Luftwaffe was
also able to make use of captured enemy aircraft. It also
established training units through the Occupied territories to
enable its trainees to familiarise themselves with different
conditions and terrain. In the less-pressurised environment of the
training schools away from the front line, more care could be taken
over photography, resulting in the author of this extensive study
of the wide range of aircraft used for training by the Luftwaffe,
being able to assemble such a fine collection of excellent images.
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