Originally Posted by
POBJOY
Chev That may be true; but for THOUSANDS it was the start of a life in aviation that repaid its costs many fold; plus a great start in 'self development' .
Quite true. Like you I became a staff cadet (613 Halton)
When I presented myself at OASC Biggin Hill for aircrew selection and was told 'no', I elected to try for NATCS.
This resulted in my becoming an Air Traffic Controller with 34 of my 39 years spent at Farnborough which would never have happened had it not been for my cadet experience. At the same time I repaid the ATC for the flying experience at 613 by staying on as adult staff at my ATC Squadron before eventually being transferred to another squadron as CO. When I handed over command to another, I was appointed WGLO until I was unceremoniously 'dumped' by the Wingco after 36 years service because I was only doing WGLO duties every other weekend and not attending the squadron (due to my shiftwork - 6 days on/3 off including weekend duties).