Tone was awarded Royal Aero Club Aviator’s Certificate on 22/5/1913, aged 20y at
Tone having learned to fly in a Blériot at his own expense at the Grahame White School Hendon was awarded Royal Aero Club Aviator’s Certificate on 22/5/1913, aged 20y. In order to enter the RFC as a pilot it was initially a requirement that the applicant acquire a Royal Aero Club aviators certificate at their own expense. If accepted into the RFC a nominal 75 pounds would be refunded. This requirement was dropped in July 1916, although an individual could still apply for an RAeC ‘ticket’. The plane he learned to fly on had gained immortality on July 25, 1909 when Louis Blériot successfully crossed the English Channel from Calais to Dover in 36.5 minutes.
“Mr. Tone Bayetto (Tuesday), on No. 2 Bleriot, starting his brevet tests, but being compelled to come down owing to engine trouble. School started work 5.13 Thursday…. Mr Tone Bayetto doing circuits. Later starting brevet tests and gaining his certificate in fine style.”[Flight: MAY 31, 1913. p593]
The Bleriot gained immortality on July 25, 1909 when Louis Blériot crossed the English Channel from Calais to Dover in 36.5 minutes.