To help Armstrong Siddeley Motors Ltd with their increased amount of research into prop-jet and purejet aircraft, the company's staff of test pilots was augmented by the engagement of F/L. Tom Prickett in 1950, who had been granted an early release from the R.A.F. for the purpose, after 9 years service. Prickett, a Canadian joined the R.A.F. (Fighter Command) in 1940. During the war he served Nos. 80 and 130 Squadrons, flying Spitfires and Tempests and therafter was an instructor in a Meteor Conversion Unit. At Moreton Valence on Friday, August 31st 1951 F/L. R. B. Prickett established no fewer than four official time-to-height records demonstrating the versatility of the Gloster Meteor and the power of the Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 2 engines.
Has flown 60 types, including captured German aircraft.
