West German exams selected pilots on merit, mostly from the North

Evidence

The West Germans conducted the examinations, and all but two of the successful candidates were from the North; the two Southerners were selected for the ground crew. As the entire class flew to West Germany to commence their studies, Hussen called on the Northern critics to take note of the merit-based competitive process for the selection of the pilots—evidence that contradicted the sectarian rumors. He pointed out that had he been a regionalist, he would have automatically approached the Italian government to assist in aviation development, a request that would have been met with enthusiasm. This would have disqualified all northerner candidates. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 721