RAT 5
The training for a Tank Commander required him to have skills as a Driver, Mechanic, Gunner and Wireless Operator and took us, then, 3 months.
I was paid £1 per week by His Majesty, with ALL FOUND.
The training for my Commercial Pilots Licence at A.S.T..Hamble ( the only Approved School in 1949 or '50) took 6 months and 150 hours ( and 20 minutes ) flying. plus 10 hours Link.
Auster or Tiger cost £5/ hour
Proctor cost £6/ hour
Oxford or Anson 1 cost £10/ hour
Extra for night flying.
Link and Ground School were included.
Accommodation was £5 or £10 per week, ( I think.)
I was employed the following day, Joy riding and light charter in an Auster. Flights cost 7/8d each. BUT I WAS PAID ! ( On Fridays )
It goes to show that being born at the right time makes a difference !
Elswhere an Auster hire rate was £3/ hour at Rearsby, Rochester, Croydon or Southend. ( Southend had a Slingsby Motor Tutor and the "ONLY" remaining Dart Kitten for £1/10s per hour.)
Some years later as a Britannia Captain I found that my F/O was a former Tank man... We debated whether to do our remembered Tank Drills before flight... The F/E was ex -Infantry... and so would NOT be able to play his part, properly.
LT
Last edited by Linktrained; 17th Jul 2015 at 16:05.
Reason: Rearsby etc.