Keeping Them Flying

The author joined the Fleet Air Arm in December 1950. During his 13+ years of service, he worked on many interesting Naval aircraft. A few years later, the 'jet' propelled aircraft would make their appearance, and to make room for those, his beloved piston-engine aircraft would have to go. By chance, the author spent a comparatively short time on aircraft carriers, due to his rapid selection for regular higher maintenance training, rising from Air Mechanic (2nd Class) to the top as Chief Petty Officer (Air Mechanician 1st Class). As his career drew to a close, larger Naval aircraft were entering service, and helicopters were becoming larger. Those marvellous aircraft, and talented pilots, were unable to fly without the efforts of maintenance personnel; the author's role was to assist in 'Keeping Them Flying'. His career finalised taking charge of a maintenance crew for a helicopter unit at the Dartmouth Britannia Naval College.