Advanced Pilot Training: TM 1-445 - Instrument Flying Training

This part of the "Advanced Pilot Training" is taken in large parts from a contemporary training manual being used by the US AAC/AAF in Basic and Advanced Flight Training. The title of the book is: Technical Manual No. 1-445, Instrument Flying Training, Prepared under direction of the Chief of the Air Corps, War Department, Washington, June 18, 1942.

This booklet has seen a number of revisions over time of course. However, only the basic skills and requirements for air Instrument Flight, "Blind" Flying and Radio Navigation are given. Multiengine Pilots, Navigators in Bombers, Transports and Recon Aircraft had a whole lot more to learn, as can be found in the "Navigator Information Files" (NIF).

TM 1-445 gives an in depth description on the use of the "Link Trainer" - a blind flying simulator -  in the pilot training course.

Only part of  TM 1-445 will be used here.

 INSTRUMENT FLYING TRAINING

PART ONE. Instructors' guide. 

CHAPTER 1. General

CHAPTER 2. Basic instrument flying.

SECTION I.. General instructions

II. Description of exercise

III. Suggestions for instructor, basic course

CHAPTER 3. Advanced instrument flying.

SECTION I. Radio range flying

II. Radio compass

III. Altimeters

PART Two. Instrument flying trainer, operation and training.

CHAPTER 1. Basic course in trainer.

SECTION I. Operation

II. Exercises

CHAPTER 2. Radio aids to navigation.

SECTION I. Radio range installations

II. Radio range orientation

III. Instrument landings and radio compass operation

CHAPTER 3. Weather data; operation and progress records