REARSBY ...? That's where Austers were built.
1948 was a year of Post -War Austerity, the Country, the U.K., was bankrupt when , now, bread (National Loaf) was rationed. and little to buy in the shops. Meals out were not allowed to cost more than 5 shillings for a maximum of two courses.
I had been promoted, wih 4 Comets in my care each with two tracks and a Rolls Royce engine .And now I was paid £1/ day, still with all found.
Flying lessons with Auster's Chief Test pilot worked out at 3 days pay = i hour's flying. He would not allow me to go solo unless I could both STALL and SPIN... And then RECOVER, from both. ( I did )
He warned me not to fly in cloud... YET....
I was to stay within 3 miles of Rearsby. ( The A.S.I. was in M.P.H. so Statute miles)
Self Funded Training ? Yes, for my first 50 plus hours or more
LT