Women pilots in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) were unique in being paid the same as males of equal rank from 1943. The ATA, formed in 1940, was a civilian organisation for the transport of planes from the manufacturer, the aircraft storage units and to operational squadrons. To be a pilot a woman had to be aged between 22-45, have at least 250 hours flying experience and hold a relevant licence. They also had to undergo a medical examination and flying test. It was disbanded in 1945 and 166 women in total were pilots in the service.
The ATA archive is held in Maidenhead Heritage Centre, Air Transport Auxiliary - Museum & Archive at Maidenhead Heritage Centre, where it also hosts a permanent exhibition. They host a online database of all ATA employees,whatever their occupation.
There are around one hundred personnel files held at the RAF museum which are only available to the next of kin.
