CAA/WTS/CPT/Flight Schools - Reference Thread

[rustywings]

A couple of flight instructors wearing the collar pieces described above.

[rustywings]

All three pieces for size comparison.

[pfrost]

All three pieces for size comparison.

 

Those are neat Cal-Aero items. I posted this one before, but I think this rare Cal-Aero wing deserves another view with his brethren.

 

P

[gparlin]

The Cal Aero, Polaris and Mira Loma cap badges have always been my favorite! With the V for Victory incorporated into the wing design and the red, white and blue roundel…….just can’t get any better for my taste. Does anyone have an idea or documentation as to who designed it and what year they started to use them? Gregg

[John Cooper]

More great additions and I love the photos of them in wear! Is the maker of the Cal Aero, Mira Loma and Polaris Flight School badges known?

 

John

[rustywings]

More great additions and I love the photos of them in wear! Is the maker of the Cal Aero, Mira Loma and Polaris Flight School badges known?

 

John

 

Thank you for your kind comments. John, the solid-back cap pieces are hallmarked "ENTENMANN - STERLING". The Entenmann - Rovin Company was established in Los Angeles in 1888. They are still in business today and produce police and fire badges. Here's a close up photo of the hallmark. It's difficult to see with the heavy tarnish.

[John Cooper]

Thanks for the extra details Russ. The bottom three badges from post # 323 appear to be very think and heavy (quality badges)! Looks like Entenmann's currently makes some very nice badges and wings too!

 

Cheers

John

[John Cooper]

Here is a recent pickup - it looks good to me based on those already posted but I am open it all opinions.

 

Cheers

 

[rustywings]

Here is a recent pickup - it looks good to me based on those already posted but I am open it all opinions.

 

Cheers

 

 

 

Nice looking Flight Instructor's wings John!.

[rustywings]

Here's a WWII era identification bracelet for Flight Instructor R.L. Smithy.

[rustywings]

A closer view. The silver pilot wing is riveted to the gold plate. The words "U.S. Army Air Corps" are inscribed at the bottom.

[rustywings]

The back of the wings are inscribed with the instructor's name "R.L. Smithy". The hallmark reads "FORESTNER - 1/20TH 12 KT G. F. - STERLING EMBLEM"

[John Cooper]

Russ that is a beauty of a bracelet! I love the rivited wings and the quality. Any backround on the instructor from your references?

 

John

[rustywings]

Here's the hallmark on the back of the flight instructor's bracelet. Sorry John, I have nothing more on the instructor himself.

[Adam Lewis]

I just read this thread... it's now one of my favorites. The material is seldom seen, the photos are excellent. Thanks to all the contibutors and especially to Russ and Patrick. It takes time and effort to make these great photos and posts... much appreciated!

 

I have a bullion instrutor's sleeve badge that I didn't see so here it is. Any comments are very much appreciated!

 

When was it appropriate to wear the sleeve badge?

 

Adam Lewis

[rustywings]

I just read this thread... it's now one of my favorites. The material is seldom seen, the photos are excellent. Thanks to all the contibutors and especially to Russ and Patrick. It takes time and effort to make these great photos and posts... much appreciated!

Adam Lewis

 

Hello Adam,

Thank you for your nice Flight Instructor contribution and kind words. What I like about these WWII era Instructor's sleeve insignia is the wide variety of sizes, materials and designs out there. I hope we can keep the ball rolling and lure more collectors to post their variations. Here's a couple of images of a recent ebay purchase. This example has been applied to a metal plate with clutches for easy removal from the right sleeve for cleaning.

Russ

[rustywings]

Back of the Flight Instructor sleeve badge with two sterling clutches.

[rustywings]

This Flight Instructor example is much lager than the ones illustrated on page #10, post #184, of this thread. This badge is more than 2 & 3/4 inches in width.

[COOKIEMAN]

Brayton Flight School cap badge.

 

REF POST #15: This badge has been misidentified ever since it was published in one of Bender's Publications quite a few years ago. It is actually from Buck's Flying Service, Lovell Field, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Extensive research has revealed no relationship between this badge and Brayton Flying Service. Buck's FS was one of hundreds of civilian flying schools that supported the CAA War Training Service. In my next few posts will add pix of additional insignia from Buck's.

[COOKIEMAN]

REF POST #15: This badge has been misidentified ever since it was published in one of Bender's Publications quite a few years ago. It is actually from Buck's Flying Service, Lovell Field, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Extensive research has revealed no relationship between this badge and Brayton Flying Service. Buck's FS was one of hundreds of civilian flying schools that supported the CAA War Training Service. In my next few posts will add pix of additional insignia from Buck's.

 

REF POST #15 - Buck's Flying Service - Cloth Cap Badge for Flight Cap

[COOKIEMAN]

REF POST #15 - Buck's Flying Service - Cloth Cap Badge for Flight Cap

 

REF POST #15 - Buck's Flying Service - Cloth Uniform Collar / Lapel Insignia

[COOKIEMAN]

REF POST #15 - Buck's Flying Service - Cloth Uniform Collar / Lapel Insignia

 

REF POST #15 - Buck's Flying Service - Cloth Instructor Pilot Wing

[COOKIEMAN]

Polaris Flight Academy, War Eagle Field, Squadron 13, Flight Instructor's five inch jacket patch.

 

REF POST 284: Polaris Flight Academy, War Eagle Field, Squadron 14, 5" Flight Jacket Insignia

[John Cooper]

Very intesting update along with some fantastic items as well! Did BFS had graduation books as well? I ask becuase it is always a treat to see period photos.

 

BTW Welcome to the forum I know you bring a wealth of information to the table.

 

Regards,

John

[COOKIEMAN]

Here's a full-size variation of the Darr Aero Tech Flight Instructor's wing. (DAT was located in Albany, Georgia).

 

REF POST #111 - Darr Aero Tech Pilot Wing - RUSS, positive this particulary wing is a Post-WW2 Wing from one of the nine USAF Contract Flying Schools in the 1950's. Notice the design is the same as your Bainbridge Wing. Several of these USAF CFS's used the same design wing.

 

The 3306th Pilot Training Squadron (Contract Primary) was activated at Marana Air Base, Marana, Arizona on 1 September 1951. On 27 June 1952 the unit was redsignated 3306th Pilot Training Squadron (Contract Primary). The school was once again redesinated on 25 April 1955 as the 3306th Pilot Training Group (Contract Primary). The school was inactivated on 2 September 1957. Anyway you look at, a scarce wing.