Early courses
Originally two year residential...later 18 months and 225 hours flying of which 75 was on twins. 45 hours link trainer and 80 hours 4 jet simulator which was basically airways, crew cooperation and check lists. 1/3 rd of my course chopped. Standards much higher than board of trade requirement..eg Morse 12 wpm.
All written exams.
Lane inquiry recommendation of increasing the minimum flying hours.
I did 100 plus hours P1 singles and 40 plus twins (solo).
Three years later I read through my notes in a week and passed my ATPL..again written.
20 years later I read through the FAA ATP Q&A book twice and got 96%..which gives you an idea of the standards.
(BEA EIGHTEEN HOURS PLUS BASE TRAINING- and I still couldn't do a decent landing).(we tried in those days..tent peg landings hadn't yet become de rigueur )
Last edited by blind pew; 24th Mar 2019 at 18:12.