He played a leading role in joint and naval flying training before and during the First World War.

[4][1] In 1903, Paine was promoted to commander and later served as the executive officer on his old ship HMS Renown.

[1] The new unit was based at Cranwell, and Paine was raised to the rank of commodore, first class, and sent there as its first commander.

[1] Just over a year later, in early 1917, Paine was appointed Fifth Sea Lord,[1] making him responsible for all naval aviation.

Paine was promoted to major general (a rank of the RAF at that time) and appointed to the Air Council as Master-General of Personnel.