In early 1941, the then Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Arthur Harris, thought Army flying preposterous:
"The idea that semi-skilled, unpicked personnel (infantry corporals have, I believe, even been suggested) could with a maximum of training be entrusted with the piloting of these troop carriers is fantastic. Their (the gliders) operation is equivalent to forced landing the largest sized aircraft without engine aid - than which there is no higher test of piloting skill."
It's clear that he was subsequently proved wrong.