Made for the resurgent West German Air Force, this film “Einweisung in die Ausbilding Zum Flugzeugführer” translates literally as “Pilot training and instruction.” The movie dates to post 1956, when the first F-84F jet fighters were delivered to West Germany, and before 1960 when the F-104 Starfighter was first deployed. The movie was likely used for public relations and recruiting purposes, shows typical pilot induction and training for this era, and culminates with a scene of cadets receiving their wings. The German Luftwaffe in this era was built up by the United States as a hedge against rising Soviet power, as part of the Cold War struggle. It was part of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. The aircraft shown in the film are primarily the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, which were first delivered to Germany’s Nörvenich Air Base (Fliegerhorst Nörvenich) in 1956. Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star training aircraft were used (see 6:00). All the equipment in the film appears to be surplused or loaned American equipment, and bears identifying stencils and signs in English. Most of the movie was apparently shot at Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base, which hosted the German Air Force Officer Training School beginning in 1957.
Scenes include: busy airbase (probably Nörvenich but possibly Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base) with U.S. Navy DC-3 and many F-84Fs on the tarmac. Cadet packs for basic pilot training (1:19) and then visits with a flight surgeon to get cleared for duty. At (1:40), cadets are placed in a vacuum chamber to simulate high altitude flight, and to learn how air pressure can affect perception (3:00). At (3:49) a cockpit model is used to simulate an ejection. At (4:39), a water landing and rubber life raft deployment are practiced. At (5:49) proper management of the oxygen system is demonstrated. At (6:02) a class of cadets approaches parked trainers, T-33s. The interior of the cockpit, with its many gauges and switches, is shown to the camera. At (7:31) the tailfeathers of the plane are removed to show off the Allison J33-A-35 centrifugal flow turbojet engine. A cutaway model of the engine is then shown in a classroom. At (9:00), other models are used to explain the hydraulic and fuel system and other vital aircraft systems. At (10:34) recruits watch the landing gear deploy. At (12:19) a Shooting Star is prepped for flight and gassed up. The cadet pilot and instructor don parachutes. At (13:03) a VW bus modified as an airport crew delivery vehicle, delivers the crew. At (13:39) the pilots make a ground inspection. At (14:45) preflight checks are made on the ground prior to takeoff. The altimeter is set, flaps and brakes operated, oxygen flow checked, and various other gauges checked. Finally at (19:34) the aircraft rolls down the tarmac for takeoff, with the pilot continuing checks of the flight controls and operating the flaps and rudder. At (20;29), a mobile air traffic control tower signals instructions via blinker light. With the brakes on, the engine is run up and the takeoff roll begins. At (21:34) the landing gear is tested in flight and a series of rolls are performed. An animation shows the landing approach pattern (22:37), and at (24;32) the cadet is congratulated on a successful landing. At (24:50) a group of four T-33s fly in formation. At (25:10) instruction continues in an instrument flight simulator, something resembling a Link trainer but with considerably more instrumentation and complexity. At (27:57) navigation is studied. As the movie draws to a close, a cadet receives a certificate indicating he has earned his wings.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
