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NZ944 / INST 153
The Harvard was the quintessential trainer and was used by all the Allied forces. It was one of the standard trainers for the Empire Air Training Scheme, in which New Zealand participated and will be familiar to all those men who trained to be pilots during World War II (1939-45).
In the Harvard the trainee pilot sat in front of the instructor. Both the pilot and the pupil had a full range of flight and engine instruments and controls. It was a very good advanced trainer as it was rugged and reliable. Most aspects of flying could be demonstrated but it had ‘vices’ which stopped trainees from becoming too complacent.
RNZAF Harvards flying in formation. Walsh Memorial Library collection, MOTAT.
In New Zealand Harvards served as primary, intermediate and advanced trainers for 36 years, going out of service in 1977. The RNZAF operated 203 Harvards. This example entered service in May 1941 and served at No.1 Flying Training School at Wigram and No.2 Service Flying Training School at Woodbourne. Post-War it became a ground instructional airframe at No. 1 Technical Training School at Hobsonville where it was used for airframe repair and painting trade training.
Pilot undergoing tuition in a Harvard at Ohakea in 1950. Photo: RNZAF Official.
Specs: Date: 1941 Manufacturer: North American Aviation Inc., Inglewood, California Type: Two-seat advanced trainer Wing span: 12.9 m Length: 8.8 m Engine: One 550HP Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-I nine-cylinder radial engine Armament: Normally nil, but could be fitted with one .303 machine gun in right wing for training purposes Accommodation: Instructor and trainee in tandem, with dual controls
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