Teach for the Sky: British Training Aircraft since 1945

Building on lessons learned during the Second World War, there has been continual investment in training aircraft and equipment as aviation technology and aerial warfare has evolved. The Air Staff, the Admiralty and British aircraft companies developed a wide range of aircraft from basic trainers to jet-powered aircraft and helicopters. Drawing on research in company and government archives, Teach for the Sky describes the development of training aircraft for basic, advanced, operational conversion and aircrew training from the late 1940s to the present day. The planning and requirements behind the trainers such as the Prentice, Balliol, Jet Provost, Varsity, Gnat, Tucano and Hawk are examined, as are many of the design studies that remained on the drawing board. The evolution of the training organisation and the challenges faced in adapting the training syllabus to new technologies from 1945 to the present day are also analysed. Illustrated throughout with photographs, drawings and specially commissioned artwork, Teach for the Sky is a unique reference guide to the aircraft and training methods developed to prepare pilots and aircrew for the frontline since 1945.