ORT School for Pilots in Rome
ORT’s activities in Italy began in 1946 following a visit to the country’s refugee camps by Dr Syngalowski, Co-Chairman of World ORT’s Executive Committee at the time.
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After the war approximately 25,000 Jewish displaced persons (DPs) had fled to Italy, most of whom considered Italy a temporary transit stop en route to eventual emigration destinations. However, after years of turmoil and uncertainty with minimal access to formal education, the majority of Jews had no professional skills, which would not only help them make ends meet, but which were the key to obtaining the necessary visas for emigration. ORT therefore set out to provide much needed training which would lead to vocational qualifications. Between 1946 and 1950 ORT ran courses throughout Italy in a variety of subjects. One little known course trained pilots, many of whom went on to form part of the new Israeli air force.
The ORT Italy School for Aviation was set up in 1948 and aimed to train pilots for careers in commercial aviation. The first group began training in May that year and was composed of seven young members of Italian gliding clubs. Due to their previous basic knowledge and experience of flying aeroplanes, the course was relatively short. Totalling around 261 flight hours of flying time, it averaged 37 flight hours per student. The aircraft used on the course were initially fitted with 65HP motors, later replaced by 85HP machines with a retractable nosewheel undercarriage.
A second group of 17 students with no past experience in aviation required longer training – an average of 80-85 flights per student. Their aircraft were fitted with 65-85HP and 130-220HP motors. Students were trained in both normal (visual) and instrument flight, which qualified them to fly in limited visibility situations. Aviation experts, who tested the students, found them to be on a par with third-degree commercial pilots. Both groups concluded their training in October 1948.