1 Air Division

The RCAF de Havilland Comet

National Archives of Canada


APPENDIX "B"

HISTORICAL SUMMARY - 412 (T) SQUADRON
1 JUNE 63 - 31 DEC 63

Major Functions of Unit

The major functions of the unit are as follows:

  1. Provide air transport as directed by AOC ATC.

  2. Carry out other operations as assigned by ATC and AFHQ

  3. Supervise and control traffic handling matters at RCAF Stn Uplands.

Summary of Activities

The major highlights of the period 1 Jun 63 to 31 Dec 63 are summarized in Appendix "A".

Operations:

During the year 1963, 1496 operations were flown. The total operational legs was 5311. The late departure rate was 8.1% of which 4.7% was uncontrollable ie. attributable to passengers or weather.

Training

Training on the unit consisted of trade advancement lectures and on-the-job training.

Technical

After approximately 10 years of service with 412 Sqn Comets 5301 and 5302 were retired from service. Both aircraft were flown up to the retirement date of Oct 1st. The C-5 and Dakotas were processed through Aircraft Industries for Tacan installations and two Dakotas 661 and 354 were transferred to OTU Trenton. The Eland engine was a problem area during the period with two particular faults namely failure of the turbine deflector and secondly FMU lever stickage. A part from the above normal maintenance operations continued throughout the year on twenty squadron aircraft, three USAF and two Stn Uplands aircraft.

Organization

One organizational change took place during the last six months. The pilot section which hitherto had been organized along a "two-flight" system was reorganized into one flight.

Official Visits and Inspections

The visits for which a guard of honour was in attendance and the red carpet treatment provided are as follows:

DATEDIGNITARY
4 Jun 63Major General MOBUTU, G-in-C, Congolese Army.
16 Jul 63General Bradley (USA)
24 Jul 63General LL Lemnitzer, Supreme Allied Commander Europe