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April 1948 Radio News
 [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.
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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
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
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