"First Solo"

The painting, "First Solo" by Anthony Simpson is a typical scene at a R.A.A.F. Elementary Flying Training School during World War II. These Flying Training Schools were a part of the Empire Air Training Scheme established throughout the British Empire to to train Aircrews in the War against Germany and the Japanese Empire. These Units consisted of a main Aerodrome and a number of satellite aerodromes situated in a radius of about 12 kms. (8 miles) from the main Base. This particular scene is identical to the "C" Flight satellite on the Grong Grong Road about 8 kms. east of the town of Narrandera. It portrays the Flying Instructor sending his Pupil on his first solo flight. This flight took place after between 6 and 8 hours dual instruction. After successfully completing this Elementary Flying Course the pupil progressed to a Service Flying Training School for further training on aircraft such as single engined Wirraways, and multi- engined Airspeed Oxfords and Avro Ansons. "Wings" were awarded after successfully completing about 240 to 260 flying Hours.