Luftwaffe Pilot/Aircrew training routes and stages

[hucks216]

A glider pilot (NCO)...

[hucks216]

And finally, an Unteroffizier Observer in Bombers (Beobachter)...

Hucks, does it say in these wehrpasses if any of them went to officer candidate school or nco candidate school?

[hucks216]

The second image in post 9 shows his path through officer career schools in 1938-1939.

With the Soldbuch, Section B & D show his training units while Section C is his 'Field' units.

[Larry deZeng]

Schreiber, Dr. Jürgen, “Flugzeugführerausbilding 1944”, Luftwaffen-Revue, 2/1990: 28-30.
“Fliegerische Grundausbildung und Jagdfliegerschulung (1935-1945)”, Luftwaffen-Revue, 4/1992: 82-87.
“Nochmals: Deutsche Pilotenausbildung bis 1945”, Luftwaffen-Revue, 1/1993: 4-6.

There are also several postwar studies done by A.I.12 (Post Hostilities Section) of the Air Ministry on this subject. These are at the BNA in London.

L.

[Richard T. Eger]

Dear Larry and hucks216,

Any way you could briefly summarize the different routes here?

Regards,
Richard

[Larry deZeng]

No Richard, but I have been told Barry Ketley can. His book, described below, has been said to provide the best available summarized coverage of these "routes" or "paths":

FLEDGLING EAGLES Luftwaffe Training Aircraft 1933-1945
Barry Ketley
Published by Classic Publications (2009-11-15)
ISBN 10: 1906537054 / ISBN 13: 9781906537050
Description:
Continuing the narrative excellence and impressive artwork that enthusiasts have come to expect from the series, this new volume is the perfect addition to the collection, and will be essential reading for aviation historians. Modellers will also find the detailed drawings and numerous side profiles invaluable in recreating the many aircraft of the Luftwaffe. A rare insight into the training all Luftwaffe aircrew and specialists had to pass through before participating in active service. All levels of the Luftwaffe training system before and during the war are covered including elementary and advanced training schools, fighter, bomber, dive-bomber and ground-attack, night fighter and heavy fighters, weapons, signals and formation and instructors schools. Many different aircraft are also included from dedicated training machines such as the Ar 68 and 131 biplanes to the Ar 96 and Fw 56 advanced trainers. Virtually all the front line types are examined including the famous Me109 and Do 17, as well as the twin seat Fw 190, Me 262, and even Me 163s.

The book is available in the used market for about $10.00.

L.

[Steve Coates]

From recollection there is also a fair bit to be gleaned from the A.D.I.(K) Interrogation Reports.

[Richard T. Eger]

Dear All,

From geahanse's original question, I think he was looking for an overview. While the references to in depth studies are nice, and, if he really wanted to dig that deeply, then quite satisfying. However, that wasn't what I think he really wanted.

Regards,
Richard

[Larry deZeng]

Originally Posted by Richard T. Eger

Dear All,

From geahanse's original question, I think he was looking for an overview. While the references to in depth studies are nice, and, if he really wanted to dig that deeply, then quite satisfying. However, that wasn't what I think he really wanted.

Regards,
Richard

Even an overview would take hours and hours to put together for the Flugzeugfuehrer and Beobachter occupational specialties because the stages along the route changed with the extigencies' of war.

Here is another sources that is of more recent publication and lays it all out in comprehensive detail:


Carlsen, Sven and Michael Meyer.Die Flugzeugführer-Ausbildung der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1935-1945 [German Air Force Pilot Training 1935-1945].Zweibrücken: VDM Heinz Nickel Verlag:
Band I:Von der Grundausbildung bis zur Blindflugschule [From Elementary Training to Instrument Flight School] (1998).ISBN: 3-925480-29-3.Hb (laminated cover).496p.Profusely illus. (incl. color photos).Charts and tables.
Band II:Fliegerwaffenschulen und Ergänzungsgruppen [Aviation Combat Schools and Replacement Groups] (2000).ISBN: 3-925480-34-x.Hb (laminated cover).576p.Profusely illus. (incl. color photos).Tables.