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headQuarters VIIIAIR FORCE SERVICE COMMAND ETOUSA Office of the Commanding General APO 887 September 11, 1942. SUBJECT: Recuirements for Ferry Pilots TO: Commanding General, Eighth Air Force a 1. From all information there is going to be a shortage of ferry pilots in the E.T.O. and within the United States itself before airplane production reaches its maximum. 2. Miss Jacqueline Cochrane, who has been in the theater for some time in charge of American women ferry pilots in the British service, has written a comprehensive study of this situation. A copy of this study is attached. Miss Cochrane has wide experience in civil aeronautics, in the ferry of aircraft within the United Kingdom, and is a successful business woman. This report indicates a thorough knowledge of the sub- ject as well a.s an appreciation of the problems involved. The report covers procurement of competent flying and ground personnel and e quipment and the training of personnel necessary to the setting up of a ferry service. 3. The plan is of a general nature and leads to decisions of policy that must be developed in Washington. Due to the urgent need for a competently trained ferry organization and the anticipated great expan- sion of this requirement, a thorough study end development of a plan is essential. While there is no immediate need for a large number of ferry pilots in this theater, future requirements must be recognized. Women pilots are today ferrying in this theater all types of combat aircraft with the exception of four motored aircraft and, from reports, the use of women ferry pilots has been on the whole guite successful. 4. It is recommended that the attached study be forwarded to Washington for earnest consideration. Miss Cochrane is now in the United States and is available for conferences on the subject. 5. My own personal views in the matter are that: a. Women pilots may well be used in Various flying categories such as pilots and co-pilots in ferrying operations, operation of shuttle air service for transportation of personnel, mail and cargo, special couriers, pilots for tow targets and gliders for training, navigators, radio operators, administrative flying officers, etc. b. That there is no immediate need for women pilots in this theater.