This is a Bü131 D2 serial number 6112 GD + ON based at Marienbad with FFS A/B 63 in late 1941
What does this mean? FFS A/B means primary flying school with A and B levels of achievement.
During the latter half of 1941, the need for pilots had increased due to the expansion of the war and the need to replace losses. Flight training was shortened to fill this need.
A young perspective pilot joining the Luftwaffe was first sent to a Fligerersatzabieilung (training depot) for six months. This was the equivalent of today’s “boot camp” with emphasis on drill and physical training. They did not receive much aviation training other than elementary lectures on the principles of wireless and map reading. Having completed this training, the student pilot moved to a Flugwarterkompanie where he learned general aeronautical subjects. Usually, this took two months. Finally, he moved to an A/B Schule (elementary flying school) where he flew the Jungmann as pictured above.
For his A license, he received instruction in aerodynamics, aeronautical engineering, navigation, meteorology, flying procedures and morse code. This stage included the pupil’s first solo flight.
For his B license, his days of flying the Jungmann were over. The student moved on to higher performance aircraft like the Amado 66, Gotha 145 or Arado 76 among others. At the completion of his B training, the student has between 100 - 150 hours flying time and received his Luftwaffenflugzeugfuehrschein (pilot’s license). On his tunic was pinned a Flugzeugfueherabzeichen (pilot’s wings).
After this, the student was selected for single engine fighter or bomber training.
This picture is a Bü131 D2 Jungmann KE + KV
Depending on when this picture was taken, and given the fact that the pictures were grouped together, I believe both airplanes were based with FFA A/B 63 in the fall of 1941. This picture could have been taken at Marienbad, but may have been taken at one of the three other satellite airfields associated with this unit - Karlsbad, Vilsec or Amberg-Schafhausen.
Apparently, KE + KV stayed with A/B 63 until March, 1943 when it was transferred to A/B 124 located in Metz-Frescady (with satellite airfields in Diedenhofen, Sandweiler and Thionville). Also at this time, A/B 43 was also merged into this training location.
We do not know either of these Jungmann’s fates, but KE + KV was still listed on A/B 43’s roster in May, 1944. By December 1944, this training unit switched to Bü 181 Bestmanns.
I like seeing the Jungmanns in happier times, with proud smiling Luftwaffe pilots learning to fly. By 1945, GD + ON and KE + VKV they were undoubtedly destroyed with the rest of the remaining Luftwaffe aircraft.
