Dear Mother,

Today is our third full day here and as yet no one in 44A has flown. Today being the Fourth of July we were free except for one hour in the afternoon. At this time, we put on a parade for the visitors on the post. We had what is called an open house this afternoon. Visitors came out to see us and the instructors put on an air show.

These fellows certainly can fly. Our commandant of cadets flew a B.T. 15 and did about every trick possible. Certainly hope that I'll be that good some day. Tomorrow afternoon we are scheduled for our first flight. Yesterday we learned how to start and stop the engine, the use of the instruments and controls, and various other things. The flying is going to be no snap - I realize that much already. There is an awful amount of theory involved.

My instructor is a man named Ford. He's about 30 years old and is a very intelligent and well-spoken man. The instructors here are all civilians hired by the AAF.

Can you tell me what has happened to Bob Watson? The "grapevine" has it that he was called into active service by the Marines. How about it? I haven't heard from Charles since he left for Stamford, so I know nothing of what is happening to him.

That's about all for now. You'll hear from me tomorrow.

Lots of love,
Jack

 Beginning in July 1930 flight training time was reduced from twelve months to nine months: three months of primary, three months of basic, and three months of advanced training. Each pilot had 65 flying hours for primary and 75 hours in each of basic and advanced training. During the war, each phase was reduced first to 10 weeks and then to 9 weeks. Primary training was accomplished in aircraft such as the PT-17, PT-19, PT-22 and PT-23 aircraft while basic training took place in aircraft such as the BT-9 and BT-13. Advanced training for fighter pilots took place in the AT-6 and training for multi-engine aircraft occurred in the AT-9 and AT-10 aircraft. The AT-11 was used to train bombardiers and navigators.

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