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Old 4th Dec 2009, 22:20
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IFPS man
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
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Wartime Test Pilots

Hi, All:

I have been researching the flying career of a former Vickers test pilot called "Shorty" LONGBOTTOM, who was involved, amongst other things, in the testing of the Upkeep and Highball bouncing bombs.
He flew one of the Lancasters used in those tests and, knowing he was a former PR pilot, was intrigued to find out as to when he "converted" onto multi-engined aircraft. However, when I went through his logbooks I could only find evidence of him having had just one other flight in a Lancaster before flying on the Dambuster trials! He also had flown Fortresses, Halifax's, Liberator's and a Sunderland - none, apparently, after following any Conversion Course.
My question is: Was there any "formal" training undertaken by test pilots on type conversion or was it a case of just getting into another aircraft and flying it??

t.i.a.

IFPS man
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