That was only part of the training. Pilots actually learned how to fly from two really old
side paddle steamers, that were converted into aircraft carriers on the great lakes. Its
funny to think of them muddling along burning coal with paddles churning. They couldn't
have made more than ten knots. Here's an article:

http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org12-6i.htm

First in classrooms, then in planes.

i've read about them before, but only just found the wiki page

You only just knew? Lol.

Anyway, I just hope you don't get bashed for using Wikipedia. There are a few elites
here who can be a bit upstart about it.

Pensacola NAS :)