FTS and SFTS in the RAF

[CJE]

Hello,

What's the difference between a Flying Training School and a Service Flying Training School?
Did the former only train pilots?

Thanks in advance.

Chris

[Graham Boak]

Between the wars the FTS trained pilots from ab initio to posting to squadron. From 1935 the elementary element was transferred to civilian-run schools, the Elementary and Reserve Flying Training Schools. With the outbreak of war, the civilian schools were taken into the military and the FTS became Service Flying Training Schools, reverting to the title of FTS postwar.

Summarised from Air Britain's Flying Training and Support Units since 1912.

[CJE]

Thanks Graham.
So I assume there is no difference between a pre-war FTS and a WWII SFTS.
Chris

[Graham Boak]

Other than such changes occurring a a result of wartime needs, pressures, re-equipment etc. So I understand.

[Bill Walker]

I believe that a pre 1935 FTS would combine an early war EFTS and SFTS, both in terms of range of equipment and training provided.