30 October 1936

Dear Mother:

I got a letter from Jean this morning - she certainly writes a good letter.

This morning Flying Officer Wilson and I went up in a Haw Trainer and I made about 5 three-point lands in succession so he gave me over to Chief for final test.

Incidentally, I promptly made the worst landing I have ever made even since learning to fly, so he said nix.

I then went back to dinner feeling that I could walk under an ant without stopping - believe me I thought this was my exit from service.

F/O Wilson told me after dinner that the chief was in an off mood that morning and we went up again - 6 three-point landings.

F/O Wilson again handed me over to the chief saying I was OK, nothing wrong.

Flight Lieutenant Moir eased his frame into the front cockpit - I opened the throttle and we tore over the grass and then up and up - came around everything beautiful and came in to land - Muma what landing. I didn't even shake his eyebrows. Next thing I saw was him throwing the front joy stick out and fastening up fighting harness so it wouldn't catch in the front cockpit - He got out and waved OK. I taxied out to the end of the line and turned into the wind.

I then looked carefullly behind and around - there are usually about 25-30 planes landing and taking off so you have to be very careful.

I then opened my throttle, tore along the ground and was off (the whole school watching). The front cockpit looked rather empty but the plane could sure climb - I shot right up into the air. At 1,000 feet I levelled out and brought the machine around in a gentle turn - at the same time saying "I can't give you anything but love Baby."

It was a most glorious sensation - no instructor to shout at you. Trains tear about below you while hundreds of cars tear along main highways. You pass over little lakes and forests - really beautiful.

I eased back the throttle - pulled back cheese cutter and made a perfect gliding turn into the wind. About 300 ft. up I saw the drome coming up beautifully so I opened the flaps by pumping the hydraulic lever.

The field came up and I slowly eased back the stick.

Result - a perfect 3 point on first solo.

I taxied casually in to meet the rest of the students?! Time 13 hours. This is accounted for by the fact that practised in rough weather and had little chance to practise landings. Also, Hawk Trainers are far faster and more tricky to handle than moths.

We land at 70 - cruise at 120.

Moth 35 - 40 - cruise at 80.

Russel Dingle is training on Tiger Moths and should solo a little quicker than this.

Three flights of Hawker Furies flew over the drome today and the noise and vibration nearly shook our buildings to the ground - you couldn't hear yourself think - it gives one a real thrill to see the R.A.F. Fighter Squadrons in perfect formation.

I hear that you have snow in Calgary. - Today it is very mild in England - roses still in garden. I ran into rain at 1000 feet but it didn't last long.

I have a lot of friends here and I get along fine - they seemed very nice to me today and all congratulated me.

Four of us went solo today and the rest of the 14 will go tomorrow or soon anyway I hope.

Last night's dining-in night went off fine and I didn't get drunk drinking King's toast.

The President says to Vice President, Mr. Vice the King. - then Mr. Vice rises and says "the King" we all rise (with parched lips) and say "the King" and take a gentle sip (I hope).

My boiled shirt has done my two evenings and is clean enough to do me another so it saves me a little expense. We are all getting Civil A licenses (private) flying next week. We are all tested by Air Ministry. In order to do cross-countries we have to get Civil Licenses from Great Britain.

We have to do three long cross countries in this course solo but we will probably do much more.

One is to Bristol, another to an aerodrome near Southampton and another up north.

When we make one we will have to plot course drift etc. Woodley Reserve School will wire Bristol that we left at a certain time - when we land at Bristol (if we are lucky Bristol will wire back to Woodley OK.

Other courses have great reputations here for going anywhere but to those set aerodromes.

Many of them go miles and miles out of their way - it is no snap - not easy like Alberta. Visibility is usually rotten.

Well more news later.

Love Bill