WW2 German NSFK Kepi Eagle in Aluminum, With Prongs. Shows light oxidation and shelf wear but appears unissued. Exc.

Historical Background

The N.S.F.K. (National Socialist Flying Corps) was created in January of 1932 to promote interest in aviation throughout Germany andwas very closely associated with the Hitler Youth (HJ) organization.  Events by the NSFK involved model building with flying competitions of the completed projects, educational classes related to aeronautics followed by building and flying actual glider aircraft.  Glider flying was the mainstay activity of the NSFK, although ballooning and balloon competitions were also held by the NSFK. As with most NSDAP organizations, sporting events of all kinds were popular and encouraged within the ranks of the NSFK. The organization was divided into three sections - powered flight, gliders and ballooning.  The NSFK also operated a ski school at Zell-am-See in Austria.

The NSFK utilized nearly 4000 glider flying sites throughout Germany.  The NSFK owned a total of sixteen gliding/aviation schools and four larger State Soaring Schools (Reichssegelschulen). The most famous of these soaring schools was one on the Wasserkuppe in the Rhon mountains, an area where the Fliegerdenkmal had been erected as a memorial to Germany's WWI fliers.

Members of the NSFK were prohibited from being members of other associations or groups such as the SS, the SA or the NSKK. Although participation in the NSFK could eventually lead to a pilots license, this license was not recognized by the Luftwaffe.  An NSFK pilot would still need to complete flight training with the German Luftwaffe to become a Luftwaffe pilot.  In most cases, NSFK aircraft and gliders had to share airfield space with Luftwaffe units and squadrons.  There is no doubt that many future Luftwaffe pilots got their training and interest in aviation from participation in the NSFK.  It is estimated that over 16,000 gliders were produced by Germany during WWII. At the age of 14, NSFK members or Hitler Youth members could begin their training toward earning their glider pilots rating.

The video below is the presentation march of the NSFK and may be of interest to those interested in this fascinating organization.