American Airlines Seeking Radiomen
April 1948 Radio News

April 1948 Radio News

April 1948 Radio & Television News Cover - RF Cafe[Table of Contents]

Wax nostalgic about and learn from the history of early electronics. See articles from Radio & Television News, published 1919-1959. All copyrights hereby acknowledged.

For someone interested in getting into aviation electronics in 1948, this career deal offered by American Airlines was an exceptional opportunity. If chosen for the program, an intense six-month training regimen would prepare the student for a career in radio, radar, navigational aids, and other systems. All living costs would be covered, along with a $120 per month stipend which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator, is the equivalent of about $1,450 ($17.4k/yr) in March of 2022. Although I don't have the numbers, my guess is that this was a much better deal than the military was offering at the time, especially considering no conscription was involved. American Airlines began service in 1936, and is one of the few carriers of the era still in operation today.

American Airlines Seeking Radiomen

American Airlines Seeking Radiomen, April 1948 Radio News - RF Cafe

One of American Airlines' training classes for aviation radiomen.

American Airlines' newly opened school for would-be aviation radio-men is now accepting applications from servicemen under thirty-five years of age who have had at least two years' experience in operating a radio service shop, have worked for an established radio dealer for that period, or have had Signal Corps experience approximating one and a half years of actual service.

The school, which is located in Newark, New Jersey, will handle thirty-five men at a time with classes starting every three months. The company plans to be able to absorb from seventy to one-hundred such trainees yearly in their own aviation radio program.

A six months' course of instruction will include radar, facsimile, aircraft video, radio beacon and tower installation, and domestic as well as "Clipper-ship" and overseas aircraft radio installations. Courses will cover both practical and theoretical principles in equal proportions.

Classes will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and room and board will be furnished in addition to a salary of $120.00 per month during the training period. Those passing the course with satisfactory ratings will be assigned to duty as radio operators aboard aircraft, as airfield radio employees, etc. After such placement, radiomen will be placed on regular assignments at specified salaries.

Inquiries about the new training program should be addressed to N. V. Gates, Director, American Airlines Radio School, Newark, New Jersey. The company is particularly interested in servicemen who are seeking employment overseas. Class members are not required to agree to work for American as a prerequisite for admission although it is assumed that the majority of the students will accept employment with the company.

 

 

Posted June 10, 2022