Its members comprise the majority of the surviving Flying Instructors and 3818 Pilots trained at that unit between 1940 and 1945.
The Unit was situated a few kilometres west of the Town on the site of the existing Airport. Over the period of the War years some 10,000 Service men and women served at the unit in a variety of Musterings (occupations). Pilots were trained on the de Havilland "Tiger Moth" DH82A.
Training was carried out at four Satellite Aerodromes situated in a radious of about 12 kilometers (8 miles) from the Main Aerodrome. The Aircraft, Flying Instructors and Pilot Trainees flew out each morning to these aerodromes from which the training was carried out. At the end of each day all returned to the Main Aerodrome.
Trainees who successfully completed this Elementary Training of about 60 flying hours and a number of Ground Subjects, were posted to Service Flying Training Schools (S.F.T.S.) where they compleded their training on advanced aircraft such as Single engined Wirraways, or Multi-engined aircraft such as Airspeed Oxfords or Avro Ansons.
After successfully completing about 240 to 260 flying hours trainees gained their "Wings".
Any person visiting this site who is interested in joining the Association should read the "Membership" section for eligibility.
If anyone has a relative who trained as a Pilot, or served at 8 E.F.T.S. please e-mail their details so that they may be invited to join and renew old friendships.