In the heart of the Second World War, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a group of brave men and women rose to the occasion. They were not fighters but ferriers - the pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), who played a critical role in maintaining the operational efficiency of the Royal Air Force. Our very own Gwynne Johns was one of these extraordinary individuals.
Today, we delve into another of his artifacts from this era - Gwynne's ATA Ferry Pilot Notes. These notes were an essential companion for ferry pilots, acting as their guide to the various aircraft types of wartime Britain.
These ATA Ferry Pilot Notes were more than just a document; they were a lifeline. Compact and concise, they provided crucial information about the aircraft the pilots were expected to fly. They held the distilled wisdom of the engineers and test pilots who had flown the aircraft before, offering insights that could not be gleaned from just looking at the cockpit.
Ferry pilots like Gwynne were expected to fly a multitude of different aircraft types, often with minimal transition time between them. These notes acted as a cheat sheet of sorts, enabling pilots to quickly familiarise themselves with the unique handling characteristics and operating procedures of each aircraft. They covered everything from the specifics of engine management to the correct settings for take-off and landing, and even emergency procedures.
Having these notes was not merely a convenience - it was a requirement. ATA pilots were expected to carry them on all flights. Failure to do so could have severe consequences, as the notes were often the only source of specific aircraft information available to the pilots.
In the context of wartime, these notes were quite literally a lifesaver. They were often the difference between a successful flight and a disastrous one. The survival and effectiveness of the ATA ferry pilots were inextricably tied to the quality of the information contained within these notes.
As we flip through Gwynne's ATA Ferry Pilot Notes today, we are given a rare glimpse into the demanding conditions that these pilots faced and the incredible feats they performed in the name of duty. The notes stand as a testament to the ingenuity of wartime aviation, the diligence of the pilots, and the importance of reliable information in high-stakes scenarios.
In subsequent posts, we'll be exploring specific entries in Gwynne's ATA Ferry Pilot Notes and sharing some of the most interesting and informative sections. Keep an eye out for more on this fascinating slice of aviation history.