The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world’s only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community. Established in 1866 to further the art, science and engineering of aeronautics, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace ever since.
Mon, February 24, 2025
After their formal oral history interview, former MOD Director of Aircraft Sir Donald Spiers and former Royal Aircraft Establishment officer Roger Cansdale sat down to mull over the past and future of aviation. In their fascinating wide-ranging discussion, Roger and Donald swap stories on the closure of the RAE and its apprenticeship programme, successes of private venture aircraft, retiring at 60, dealing with interpreters, Donald’s national service, visiting Vietnam during the Vietnamese War, airships, Concorde, paying bonuses, converting the RAE runway into Farnborough International Airport and predictions on decarbonising aviation. Sir Donald Spiers HonFRAeS was interviewed by Roger Cansdale as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth' to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals'. The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS & Tony Pilmer FRAeS.
Wed, February 19, 2025
As well as working at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) for many years, Kit Mitchell worked at what became the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) at various times from 1970 to 1994. During this part of the interview, Kit talks about his work researching public transport and the effects of transport policies and provision on different groups of people, including elderly and disabled people. As well as being the man behind ‘Dial-a-bus’, Kit regards his team’s work on British and later European buses more disability-friendly as ’probably the most useful thing I've done in my life’. Kit’s story shows how aeronautical engineers’ skills can lead to a very flexible career – something for young people to consider when planning their education and career journey. Kit also gives a fascinating insight into what it was like working for different government research organisations. Kit Mitchell FRAeS was interviewed by Katrina Sudell as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth' to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals'. The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, February 07, 2025
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor, Jack Richardson analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (February 2025) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also have the Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group along with Steven Green, who discuss the complex and busy airspace around Washington DC. (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, January 22, 2025
The pioneer of modern-day hot air ballooning takes us through how he and a group of friends came up with the idea of building western Europe’s first modern hot air balloon from his 1970s basement flat in Bristol, before transforming his hobby into Cameron Balloons which, for over 50 years has become one of the world’s largest and most innovative producers of hot air balloons. Don regards the development of the Roziere balloon, a combination helium and hot air balloon, as one of his greatest achievements, used in record breaking flights such as the Breitling Orbiter 3 which completed the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe by hot air balloon in 1999. Versions of Cameron Roziere balloons have also flown the first coast to coast flight across Australia and the first solo crossing of the Pacific Ocean. His company has also become world famous for producing an amazing variety of special shaped balloons. Don also describes his own flights, including finally fulfilling his dream of crossing the Atlantic by balloon in 1992 and making the first balloon flight between the UK and the USSR in 1990 and his many fond memories of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, an event that he helped found and run since it was established in 1979. Don, looking back on his career, also explains that you have to put everything into running a business and hard work was needed to grab the opportunities that were brought about by modern hot air ballooning. Don Cameron was interviewed by Anne Hayward as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘ If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth' to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals'. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. The transcript of the recording can be accessed on the National Aerospace Library's catalogue
Wed, January 08, 2025
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor, Jack Richardson analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (January 2025) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also have Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group. (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, December 04, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor, Jack Richardson analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (December 2024) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also have Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group in conversation with Captain Robert Scott and Prof Don Harris, Professor of Human Factors, Coventry University who discuss airliner single pilot operations. (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Tue, November 19, 2024
Former Engineering manager at BOAC and British Airways and Engineering Director at Cathay Pacific, Stewart takes us through the challenges of selecting and keeping aircraft in the air in both the Far East and in the UK. Though starting life as a BOAC apprentice, Stewart spent his early years on secondment to Kuwait Airways and Malaysia-Singapore Airline and he tells us about life living away from home often as the only engineer certified to maintain the airline’s types. Back in the UK, Stewart spent most of the 1970s at Heathrow dealing with the challenges posed by the unions, engineers and the fleet of Boeing 747s and 707s. Steward finished his time as a full-time employee in Hong Kong as Cathy Pacific’s Engineering Director, working with Boeing, Rolls-Royce and his engineers selecting and maintaining over 60 wide-bodied aircraft and Dragonair’s fleet of narrow bodied aircraft. Not ready for the allotment, Stewart returned to the UK to take up consultancies and board positions with many aviation companies including Rolls-Royce and Airbus. Always a Committee man, Steward also discusses his term as President of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Society of Licensed Aircraft Engineers and the International Federation of Airworthiness. During the interview, Stewart shares some amusing and fascinating tales of the people he met and the challenges he faced during his varied career. Stewart John FREng FRAeS talked with Keith Cameron in September 2024 for the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. … . The podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. The transcript of the recording can be accessed on the National Aerospace Library's catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/1116153
Tue, November 05, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor, Jack Richardson analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (November 2024) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also have Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group in conversation with Captain Robert Scott who discuss the upcoming single pilot operations conference. (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.aerosociety.com (Note: podcast recorded on 30 October)
Thu, October 31, 2024
In this special episode celebrating Black History Month 2024 at the Royal Aeronautical Society, we’re thrilled to welcome Jackson Smith, CEO of Fantasy Wings and a passionate advocate for diversity in aviation. We’ll explore his professional journey as a Black pilot, the challenges he has faced, his achievements, and the vital role of representation in the industry. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the impact of diversity in shaping the future of aviation!II
Thu, October 31, 2024
In this special episode celebrating Black History Month 2024 at the Royal Aeronautical Society, we’re excited to welcome Elvis Tinago, an aerospace engineer and advocate for diversity and inclusion. We’ll discuss his professional journey as a Black engineer, the challenges he has faced, his achievements, and the importance of representation in the industry. Join us for an engaging conversation about the impact of diverse voices in shaping the future of aerospace!
Mon, October 28, 2024
National Mentoring Day is celebrated on 27 October and has put a spotlight on the benefits of mentoring for everyone, no matter who they are or where they are in their career, for the past 10 years. This year, to celebrate, the Royal Aeronautical Society recorded this podcast in which we discuss mentoring with esteemed mentors, Wg Cdr Daniela Nowalski and Judith Milne FRAeS. The Society also welcomed some of the women that Daniela and Judith are currently mentoring to hear all about their experiences and how mentoring has benefited them.
Wed, October 09, 2024
Air Vice Marshal Graham Skinner has had a long, varied and distinguished career in the Royal Air Force, specialising in engineering. Passionate about aviation as a young boy, he joined the RAF straight from school. However, his exceptional abilities were soon recognised, resulting in his being sent to Bristol University to undertake a BSc in aeronautical engineering. Despite qualifying as a pilot with the University Air Squadron, Graham opted to continue his career in the Air Force specialising as an engineer. This led to a highly-varied series of roles and challenges, ranging from keeping helicopters flying in the desert to maintaining supersonic fighters in a state of readiness; roles which subsequently encompassed logistics as well as engineering, and concluding with his appointment as C-in-C Logistics Command. His problem-solving contributions were recognised with the award of a CBE. Graham Skinner’s interview reflects not just a history of dealing with changing technology but also the excitement and challenge of a career in engineering. AVM Graham Skinner CBE was interviewed by Sir George Cox CRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. The transcript of the recording can be accessed on the National Aerospace Library's catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/1116013
Wed, October 02, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor, Jack Richardson analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (October 2024) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also have Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group in conversation with Captain Alex Fisher who discuss Loss of Control Incidents (LOC-I). (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, September 18, 2024
Sir Donald Spiers HonFRAeS talks about his early life before sharing stories from his remarkable career in the aerospace sector including some personal recollections of encounters with politicians. After retirement, Donald continued to share his knowledge and experience in the field of aerospace including serving as President of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Here are the significant points from the interview: •Born 1934 in Wimbledon. •Left Raynes Park County Grammar School aged 18 •National Service. Army paratrooper for 2 years, mostly in Egypt •Read Mechanical Sciences at Cambridge •Graduate Apprenticeship with de Havilland Engines •In late 1950s moved to the Air Ministry to do Operational Research •Officer in Scientific Charge of early trials of the Hawker Kestrel •OR work in the Middle East with the RAF •Scientific Advisor to the Far East Air Force based in Singapore •Left OR to enhance career prospects by getting into Project Management as AD Hawk •Then moved to Jaguar, Tornado, Eurofighter and Typhoon. Chairman of NAMMA •Retired at 60 as MoD’s Controller of Aircraft •Post retirement involvement with the future of the Farnborough Airfield •Held a number of non-executive directorships with companies including European Helicopter Industries and TAG •President of the Royal Aeronautical Society •Trustee and Chair of the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Sir Donald Spiers HonFRAeS was interviewed by Roger Cansdale FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. The transcript of the recording can be accessed on the National Aerospace Library's catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/183614
Wed, September 18, 2024
Katrina talks about her university education and early employment before describing how she got into aeronautical engineering. Katrina provides a fascinating insight into what it was like to work as an engineer in the 1970s whilst working in the Spares Department of the British Aircraft Corporation in Preston working on the MRCA (Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) which became the Panavia Tornado. Katrina was able to put to advantage her language and communication skills whilst employed on the spare parts catalogue. Katrina reflects on being involved in aviation and a woman working in engineering, and tells some fun stories from her life and work such as hammering her car at some traffic lights in front of Germans to get it working it again before the lights changed, discussing aircraft parts with German colleagues and persuading them not to label a hole with a part number and the instance of an engineer storming out of a work canteen for engineers saying the canteen was not for ladies who come with friends…she never saw him again. Katrina feels she did not face problems with being a lady engineer because colleagues valued her skills and she was too busy working and living to feel really proud of her work and excited about being involved in aviation. Katrina also talks about stopping work to look after her family, becoming a teacher and helping and caring for her mother and father. Most recently, Katrina has enjoyed volunteering for the National Aerospace Library (NAL) by helping to conserve historic material in the NAL’s archives. Her advice for anyone starting out in their career is to research their interests (read a lot but be careful what you read, especially statistics), don’t be put off doing something that is unusual for you to do, and take advice but follow your dream! This is an abridged version of an interview with Katrina Sudell by Anne Hayward as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. The transcript of the recording can be accessed on the National Aerospace Library's catalogue along with links to the full recording: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/183269
Wed, September 18, 2024
Michael ‘Mike’ Howlett’s talks about his experience of flying successive generations of aircraft during his career as a pilot spanning over 70 years. Having learnt to fly on a Tiger Moth bi-plane, he flew first-generation jet fighters (the Meteor and Vampire), then the first generation long-haul, land-based piston-engine airliners in the form of the Boeing Stratocruiser. This was followed by flying the first of the long-range, swept-wing jets, the Boeing 707, and then the first of the ultra-large passenger aircraft, the Boeing 747 ‘Jumbo’. These aircraft not only ushered in different eras of air travel with a new level of passenger experience, they posed new challenges for their operators and aircrew. Mike provides fascinating insights into these changes. Mike Howlett was interviewed by Sir George Cox as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. The transcript of the recording can be accessed on the National Aerospace Library's catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/183263
Thu, September 05, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (August 2024) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also have Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group in conversation with Dr. Sunjoo Advani who discuss Upset Prevention and Recovery Training. (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Tue, September 03, 2024
The First World War took Garner away from astronomy into ‘one of the most lovely places you could possibly imagine’- the Royal Aircraft Establishment. Here he describes designing experimental flying projects, including making measurements of drag using prop stop glides. He also describes some of the characters he worked with, including AA Griffiths during the period Griffiths was working on glass fibres. He was transferred to Felixstowe in time to work on the Schneider Trophy, where he pioneered the use of cameras to accurately measure the speed of aircraft, and explored seaplane gunnery during the Second World War. Sir Harry Garner made this recording at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s headquarters at No. 4, Hamilton Place in 1969.
Mon, August 05, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (August 2024) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also have Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group in conversation with Sten Rossby who discuss the GPS jamming and spoofing threat to civil air transport. (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Thu, July 25, 2024
AEROSPACE Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards sum up the 2024 Farnborough Air Show. Plus special guests Angelika Kochajkiewicz and Aleena Joshy from the RAeS Solent Branch. Our thanks to the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Museum for arranging access to this recording location.
Wed, July 03, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (July 2024) edition of the magazine. New this month, is Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group. (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Fri, May 31, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (June 2024) edition of the magazine. Special guest this episode is new RAeS President David Chinn. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, May 15, 2024
In 1945 confidence in British aviation was sky-high. Yet decades later, the industry had not lived up to its potential. What happened? The years that followed the war saw the Brabazon Committee issued flawed proposals for civil aviation planning. Enforced cancellations restricted the advancement of military aircraft, compounded later on by Defence Minister Duncan Sandys abandoning aircraft to fixate solely on missiles. Commercially, Britain's small and neglected domestic market hindered the development of civilian airliners. In the production of notorious aircraft, the inauspicious Comet came from de Havilland's attempts to gain an edge over its American competitors. The iconic Harrier jump jet and an indigenous crop of helicopters were squandered, while unrealistic performance requirements brought about the cancellation of TSR2. Peter Reese explores how repeated financial crises, a lack of rigour and fatal self-satisfaction led British aviation to miss vital opportunities across this turbulent period in Britain's skies. Peter Reese wrote this lecture for the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust in 2023. The recording is courtesy of the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. A number of Peter Reese’s books, including In Turbulent Skies: British Aviation Successes Setbacks 1945-1975, are available if you make a donation to the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Library Conservation Appeals. The minimum donation is £5 per book. To order, please visit https://forms.office.com/e/siWpX4w9eW
Tue, April 30, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (May 2024) edition of the magazine. Special guest this episode is outgoing RAeS President Kerissa Khan. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, April 24, 2024
Listen to the Royal Air Force, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton in conversation with Air Marshal Sir Christopher Harper at a Royal Aeronautical Society Corporate Partners briefing, held on 9 April.
Wed, April 10, 2024
The ultimate test of the great powers’ pilots, aircraft and powerplants in the interwar period, the Schneider Trophy seaplane contest pushed forward aviation design to new heights and directly led to the Spitfire and Merlin engine. W. Cox, a member of the trophy winning Supermarine team, takes us through each contest, starting with the pre-World War II contests and highlights how the key technological developments in aircraft design were represented in the race. Please note, due to the age of this recording, there are periods of poor sound quality. W. Cox addressed a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 12 October 1965. The lecture was introduced by J. L. Nayler FRAeS FAIAA, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, March 29, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (April 2024) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Thu, March 07, 2024
After being redeployed from Unilever to a small firm just outside Rugby in May 1940, Bob Feilden played a key role in the development of Whittle’s jet engine, working with his colleagues to transform the jet from theory into practice. Starting with the early history of Whittle’s jet engine and its early testing, Feilden takes us inside the firm to give us a first-hand account of the jet’s flight trials, in the Gloster E28/39 and how they overcame the technical challenges to develop the W1 engine into the W2, W2/500 and W2/700. Feilden also explores how the firm looked to make the engine fit for the ill-fated Miles M52, the plans for the LR1 Turbofan, the relationship between Power Jets and Rolls-Royce and how the team broke up in 1946 after nationalisation. The lecture was also published as a Hodgson Prize winning paper for the Aeronautical Journal in February 1993. Royal Aeronautical Society members can access the paper for free via www.aerosociety.com/elibrary. G. B. R. Feilden addressed a meeting organised by Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust in 1992. The recording is © The Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust • All right reserved, it was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, March 01, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater analyse recent aviation, aerospace and spaceflight news - and preview the next (March 2024) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Fri, February 23, 2024
AEROSPACE Editor-in-Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater sum up the 2024 Singapore Air Show
Wed, February 14, 2024
RAF turned Imperial Airways pilot, Captain Parker, gives us a flavour of what life was like working for Imperial in the 1930s. He tells us about operating the Handley Page HP.42 and recounts a story of being stranded in the desert after an aircraft was forced down. After flying landplanes he was transferred to seaplanes and gives us insights into life operating flying boats before and after the Second World War. Captain Parker was interviewed by David Jones in around 1975. This recording is part a AeroSociety Podcast series, Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia, it was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Wed, February 14, 2024
Captain Crowther operated the first service from Brisbane to Darwin and then onto Singapore in 1934 and recalls life flying a DH.86 on that route. He also describes the time when he was transferred to flying boats, including the period he flew between Australia and Ceylon during World War II. Crowther also gives us a view of managing the 'Kangaroo Route' in the early post-war years from his position as their Manager of the Western Region. Captain Crowther was interviewed by David Jones in around 1975. This recording is part a AeroSociety Podcast series, Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia, it was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, January 30, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (January 2024) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, January 17, 2024
What’s in a name? This lecture takes us through the evolving picture of how manufacturers were required to name their military aircraft and engines and shows how different aircraft followed and deviated from the Ministry’s requirements. Gordon T. Wansbrough-White FRAeS addressed a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 28 November 1966. The lecture was introduced by J. L. Nayler FRAeS FAIAA, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, January 02, 2024
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (January 2024) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, December 27, 2023
“Oh come on, surely it was the Wright Brothers who did this!” In his lecture Dr John Ackroyd FRAeS tries to persuade us that Sir George Cayley, not the Wright Brothers, defined the concepts behind the aeroplane and flew it in 1804. After exploring Sir George’s early life and some of his non-aeronautical designs of early tractors, engines and artificial hands, Dr Ackroyd explores Cayley’s key breakthrough, his discovery in 1799 that flapping wings would not lead to flight and what was needed was a complete separation of the lifting from the propulsion system. Dr Ackroyd then analyses Cayley’s results from his glider flights, experiments and concepts using modern aerodynamic techniques and compares Sir George’s achievements to those who came after. He also explores how Sir George learnt from aerodynamic shapes found in nature and that the challenges facing aviation could be divided into the four basic areas which remain the fundamentals of aeronautics today: aerodynamics, structures, flight dynamics and propulsion. The recording concludes by showing how Cayley’s work influenced and compared to the work of future generations, most notably how the Wright Brothers built on Cayley’s work to be the first to conquer the challenge of powered flight. The lecture was specially recorded to mark the 250th Anniversary of Sir George Cayley’s birth and was produced by Peter Laws CEng MRAeS. Find out more about Sir George Cayley by visiting www.aerosociety.com/cayley250
Tue, November 28, 2023
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (December 2023) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Fri, November 17, 2023
AEROSPACE Editor-in-Chief Tim Robinson and Features Editor Bella Richards sum up the 2023 Dubai Air Show and speak to special guest Royal Aeronautical Society President, Kerissa Khan.
Tue, November 14, 2023
After service in World War I, Capt Allan moved to the other side of the world and joined the fledgling Australian National Airways. He retells stories of his time with the airline, including his experiences of flying Avro 10s between Australian cities, and shares his opinions of the company’s two guiding lights: Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm. Allan went onto play a part in many of the key events in spreading civil aviation across the southern hemisphere, including pioneering airmail flights between London and Australia, starting with flying with Kingsford Smith on the first experimental air mail flight in 1931 and playing a part in a record-breaking trip between the two continents in his de Havilland DH.86 during 1933. He also discusses training to operate flying boats for Qantas, before giving a view of why Qantas decided to fly American rather than British aircraft after the Second World War. Captain G. U. Allan was interviewed by David Jones in around 1975. This recording is part a AeroSociety Podcast series, Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia. It was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, November 14, 2023
Tapp joined Qantas when it employed 25 people, including just seven pilots. His path to Australia started after service with the Royal Air Force and a spell promoting the Westland Widgeon light aircraft. From there Captain Tapp heard about Qantas, wrote a letter to Hudson Fysh and, after a test with de Havilland, were off to Australia in 1928. He gives us a flavour of flying for the company in those years, tells us about the characters who worked for the airline, including engineer Arthur Baird, explores the problems with the de Havilland DH.86 Express and tells us what it was like travelling on the early days of the Australia to Singapore route. Captain Russell Tapp was interviewed by David Jones in around 1975. This recording is part a AeroSociety Podcast series, Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia. It was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, November 14, 2023
Aircraft not only need to fly, but also need to land safely. A. D. S. Murray spent his early years in Australia surveying the country or emergency and permanent landing grounds. In this interview, he describes some of the challenges he faced and characters he met during this part of his career.
Tue, October 31, 2023
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (November 2023) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Tue, October 10, 2023
The Spanish Civil War came at a significant period in the development of aviation and foreshadowed aerial warfare in the Second World War. But how much was the Royal Air Force taking notice of what was happening on the continent and what lessons did they learn? In this lecture, Brian Armstrong challenges the impression that those in command of Britain’s air forces were blithely ignorant of the Spanish Civil War. He takes us into the world of British air intelligence to explore their work and the conclusions they drew from the war in Spain. He then takes us into the minds of the upper ranks of the Royal Air Force to show how many of the lessons from the conflict they took from air intelligence reports and other sources. He also explores what lessons were learnt by the French, Americans, Russians and, most importantly, the Germans. The lecture starts with Armstrong giving us an aeronautical history of the Spanish Civil War, exploring the aircraft used and major highlights in the campaign. Brian Armstrong MRAeS gave his lecture to a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 13 February 2003. The lecture is introduced by Frank Armstrong FRAeS, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, September 29, 2023
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (October 2023) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Mon, September 11, 2023
After training with the RAF just after the First World War and service in India, Capt Mollard made his way to Imperial Airways, and tells us about life at Croydon Airport and the London to Paris route. In 1929 Mollard was transferred to Cairo and, as Imperial flew further towards Australia, so did he. Here he co-piloted Captain Alger in the hair-raising first experimental mail flight to Australia in 1931 and delivered one of the first Armstrong-Whitworth Atalantas that would serve on the soon to be opened Calcutta to Singapore route. The Second World War saw him continue to work for Imperial Airways, including surviving flights to Mauritius. In 1947 he became Malaysian Airways’ technical advisor. He started in the airline’s early days, when it flew only three aircraft and stayed long enough to help build it up into ‘a little goldmine’. Captain Mollard was interviewed by David Jones in around 1975. This recording is part of the AeroSociety Podcast series, Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia, it was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Mon, September 11, 2023
The captain of the 1937 flying boat survey flight from Karachi to New Zealand explains how he became involved in the historic event and how they prepared for the flight, before retelling the story of the eventful trip. He also discusses the warm welcome they received in New Zealand and further afield. Captain Burgess was interviewed by David Jones in around 1975. This recording is part of the AeroSociety Podcast series, Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia, it was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, August 29, 2023
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (September 2023) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, August 16, 2023
Captain Egglesfield commanded some of the earliest commercial flights over India and the Far East including the first scheduled service from Karachi to Calcutta in July 1933 in an Armstrong Whitworth AW.15 Atalanta, the first scheduled Karachi to Rangoon service, and the second survey flights on flying boats between Karachi and Singapore. In this interview he tells us about these pioneering flights, the aircraft he flew, the challenges he faced and gives us a flavour of what life was like flying the route. Captain L. A. Egglesfield was interviewed by David Jones on 11 June 1975. This recording is part of the series Development of Civil Aviation to Australasia 1918-1978, it was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Wed, August 16, 2023
In April 1931 Captain Alger was asked to fly the first experimental airmail flight between Karachi and Darwin in his de Havilland DH.66, the City of Cairo. In this interview Alger retells the story of this eventful flight. Captain H. W. C. Alger was interviewed by David Jones on 8 June 1975. This recording is part of the AeroSociety Podcast series, Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia, it was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, July 28, 2023
In this podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (August 2023) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Tue, July 11, 2023
Was the incoming Labour Government right to cancel TSR-2? Was there a possibility of creating an Anglo-French military aircraft programme in the early 1960s? Who was the panellists’ favourite villain in the TSR-2 story? These and many other questions were posed to the conference speakers, and we hear their frank conclusions.
Tue, July 11, 2023
What lessons did the UK’s aerospace industry learn from TSR-2 and what key points can we take into today’s aerospace projects? As a student, Michael Pryce lived close to Ivan Yates, the man who Warton sent to liaise with Weybridge. In his retirement, Yates told Pryce about many of the mistakes that were made on the TSR-2 project and how he learnt from them on his later projects, most notably when he served as the UK’s man on the Jaguar, Tornado and Typhoon. Many of Yates’s observations are of key importance for today’s professionals, most notably for those working on collaborative projects today.
Tue, July 11, 2023
What would have happened if Britain decided to keep TSR-2? Benjamin Goodlad explores the possible strategic and tactical use of the aircraft, discusses the gaps it would have filled and considers which aircraft it could have replaced. He also asks how the RAF armed with an operational TSR-2 would have looked from a bomber and strike command perspective. He also speculates on the impact a successful TSR-2 would have had on its international competitors. This session is followed by a short question and answer session.
Tue, July 11, 2023
The cancellation of TSR-2 left a large gap in the RAF’s armoury, but how should the gap be filled? Samuel Hollins explores the immediate procurement dilemmas faced by Britain upon the death of TSR-2 and examines the viability of the procurement options that presented themselves prior to Tornado. He then goes onto suggest that the Europeanising turn in defence procurement that Britain took from the late-1960s onwards was a partial consequence of the opportunities that emerged in a world without TSR-2, and shaped Britain’s procurement policies for the remainder of the century.
Tue, July 11, 2023
How did those in the corridors of power see the development of the TSR-2 project once it had been awarded? Clive Richards explores the political and strategic debates that took place within Whitehall between 1957 and the cancellation of the project in 1965.
Fri, June 30, 2023
In this new podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (July 2023) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Fri, June 23, 2023
Listen to the AEROSPACE team sum up the 2023 Paris Air Show.
Wed, June 21, 2023
Happy Pride Month! Supporting LGBTQ+ people in the industry is so important, in this podcast we spoke with Zac Brown, the President of the European Pride in Aviation Network about all the amazing work they’re doing to support LGBTQ+ people in aviation! For more information about EPAN you can go to their website: www.prideinaviation.org/ and to find out more about Diversity at RAeS you can visit our website: www.aerosociety.com/diversity
Wed, June 14, 2023
How effective would the Royal Air Force have found a completed TSR-2 compared to its rivals? Paul Stoddart compares the aircraft’s actual and potential performance data with its competitors in the international military aircraft market: the F-4C Phantom, BAC Buccaneer S.2B, Mirage IVA, RA-5C Vigilante and GD F-111C.
Wed, June 14, 2023
Keith Hayward explores the politics and personalities behind the TSR-2 project, which, at its heart, was a tension between two separate design teams in two different companies, with the young pretenders at English Electric headed by Frederick Page and the shrewd Sir George Edwards heading the team at Vickers. Pressure was added to the relationship as the TSR-2 contract was used to encourage the rationalisation of the UK aerospace industry, with the Vickers and English Electric on to form the core of the British Aircraft Corporation. Though the TSR-2 team found common cause in meeting the increasingly string-net requirements of Whitehall, Keith Hayward asks the question, ‘Did those from Warton and Weybridge finally find romance?’
Wed, June 14, 2023
Tony Buttler takes us through the runners and riders that competed with the combined Vickers/English Electric design that became TSR-2, chief amongst them a proposal from Hawker Siddeley. He then goes onto explore TSR-2’s path to the first flight, highlighting aspects of the aircraft’s advanced design.
Wed, June 14, 2023
Clive Richards explores the debate within the Air Ministry and Ministry of Supply on the need to procure a replacement for the English Electric Canberra bomber, culminating with the release to industry of General Operational Requirement 339 in 1957.
Tue, May 30, 2023
In this new podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next (June 2023) edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Fri, May 26, 2023
What is the future of combat air and space capabilities? AEROSPACE TIM ROBINSON FRAeS and STEPHEN BRIDGEWATER round-up two days of high-level debate and discussion at the RAeS Future Combat Air & Space Capabilities Summit.
Tue, May 09, 2023
Captain H. W. C. Alger first began flying Vickers Vernons on the Cairo to Baghdad airmail route when serving in the RAF and, when Imperial Airways took over the route, he was selected to join the national carrier, this time flying de Havilland DH.66s. In this interview he describes the Desert Air Route and takes us through some hair-raising stories. Captain H. W. C. Alger was interviewed by David Jones on 8 June 1975. This recording is part a AeroSociety Podcast series, Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia. It was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, May 09, 2023
Though flying the early civil aircraft could be a challenge, so could maintaining the aircraft along the desert air route. Capt. Garner explores the challenges supporting aircraft as a ground engineer in North Africa, first for the Royal Air Force and then as part of Imperial Airway’s Ground engineering staff. Not only did he have a number of adventures with the airline’s aircraft, he also helped to support some of the civil record breakers, including Charles Kingsford Smith in the Southern Cross and Bert Hinkler during his first flight from London to Australia. Garner moved from ground engineering to flight engineering, and it is from the flight engineer’s seat that he played a memorable role in the experimental air mail flight from Karachi to Darwin in 1931. Garner’s career continued into the period where landplanes gave way to flying boats and he retells stories of some of the first flying boats to enter service. Captain W. L. Garner was interviewed by David Jones on 13 June 1975. This recording is part of the series Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia. It was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, April 28, 2023
In this new podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next May 2023 of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, April 19, 2023
Captain Brain was one of Qantas’ first pilots, taking the airline from converted World War I bombers to Catalinas in World War II. In the interview, Brain explains what life was like in the early days flying over the Outback, including the early days of the flying doctor service and searching for crashed aircraft. He looks at the impact of the brave adventurers such as Alan Cobham and Bert Hinkler and the real pioneers, the men and women who made civil aviation sustainable in Australia. He also looks at some of the aircraft he introduced into service, such as the de Havilland DH.86 Express and the Catalina Flying Boats, the latter of which entered service during the Second World War. Capt. Lester Brain was interviewed by David Jones in around 1975. This recording is part a AeroSociety Podcast series, Development of Civil Aviation from the UK to Australasia, it was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, March 31, 2023
In this new podcast series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the next edition of the magazine. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
Wed, March 29, 2023
The SRN-1 was the world’s first amphibious hovercraft and it led to a series of craft designed and built on the Isle of Wight. Though most famous for civil uses, the SN series was adapted for military uses and models were sold across the world. There were also schemes to use hovercraft technology for other industrial uses. Ray Wheeler gives an insider’s view of how and why the series evolved and how they overcame a host of technical and design challenges, from corrosion protection to structural problems caused by stiletto heels. He also explains the strengths and weaknesses of the different types and retells some fascinating stories along the way. Ray Wheeler was in the perfect position to give this lecture as he was at the centre of the development of this series of hovercraft, from the 1950s to the early 1990s. He started as a stressman for Saro, before working up the newly amalgamated British Hovercraft Company with posts including Chief Designer, before retiring as Systems Support Director at the restructured Westlands Aerospace. The team’s achievements were even more remarkable as he and his fellow designers were also working on a great variety of other projects at the same time, from missiles to large domed roofs. Ray Wheeler FRAeS gave his lecture to a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 21 July 2005. The lecture is introduced by Frank Armstrong FRAeS, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, March 07, 2023
Happy International Women’s day! As part of our celebrations this year we are showcasing our alta mentoring platform, a platform by women, for women. This podcast features Alessandra Badino FRAeS and Erika Ramos da Silva, a mentor and mentee on the platform, they discussed their experiences on the platform and with mentoring as a whole.
Wed, March 01, 2023
The Royal Aeronautical Society Greener by Design Group with the Young Persons Committee held a debate on this motion on Friday 9 December 2022 (https://www.aerosociety.com/events-calendar/raes-greener-by-design-group-debate-aviation-will-not-meet-net-zero-by-2050/). An informed and knowledgeable set of speakers introduced the arguments. Finlay Asher of Safe Landing proposed the motion, seconded by Matt Finch of Transport & Environment. The opposition was led by Jonathon Counsell, Group Head of Sustainability at IAG airlines group and seconded by Andy Jefferson, Programme Director of Sustainable Aviation. Click and listen to the debate’s recording now.
Wed, February 22, 2023
The North American X-15 was the record-breaking high-speed and high-altitude research aircraft that played an important part in the race to the moon. In this lecture the test pilot who pegged up most ‘firsts’ in the X-15 gives his British peers insights into the aircraft’s flight test programme, including the aircraft’s stability and control and handling qualities, and goes onto describe the cockpit set-up and the programme’s use of simulation. He also explored the aircraft’s and the programme’s early objectives and the challenges facing those working on the aircraft, such as those caused by aerodynamic heating. Robert M. White addressed the Third Meeting of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Test Pilots’ Group on 11 December 1964. The lecture was introduced by Bill Bedford FRAeS, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Wed, February 08, 2023
Find out more about becoming an apprentice from current apprentices in the aerospace and aviation industry.
Tue, February 07, 2023
It’s #EmployerTuesday! Are you an employer interested in running an #apprenticeship? Or do you want to hear from those who hire them? Take a listen to our employer podcast with 2Excel Aviation and Marshall ADG
Tue, January 10, 2023
After a posting that included a role in the command and control for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) for Afghanistan, the then recently appointed Commander-in-Chief Air Command, Royal Air Force, draws on his experiences to explore the challenges faced by the RAF in the age of hybrid warfare, including the threats posed by Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency (COIN). Towards the end of the lecture Sir Christopher also singles out the Expeditionary Air Wing concept and the RAF’s Reaper armed UAVs as examples of where the service had been proactive in dealing with new challenges. ACM Sir Christopher Moran FRAeS gave the 2009 Sir Sydney Camm Lecture on 1 July 2009. The lecture was introduced by the then President, Dr Mike Steeden FRAeS, and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. The material and information contained in this lecture are UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2009 and the recording is the copyright of the Royal Aeronautical Society 2009.
Mon, December 12, 2022
Supermarine had a proud design record headed by the Spitfire and Schneider Trophy aircraft. A.N. Clifton, who started as Mitchell’s structures man and ended up, forty years later, as its Chief Designer, gives us the insiders view of the aircraft designed and developed by the company from just before the First World War to the loss of the Supermarine name in 1960. As well as discussing many of the aircraft types designed by the company, Clifton explores how Supermarine’s faced the challenges of the Second World War and the coming of the jet age. He also gives his first-hand assessment of those who played such a key role in the company’s development, most notably Chief Designers R.J. Mitchell and Joe Smith, and plays tribute to the work of the company’s test pilots. A.N. Clifton FRAeS addressed a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 23 January 1967. The lecture was introduced by J. L. Nayler FRAeS FAIAA, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Thu, November 24, 2022
Spurred on by the desire to save lives, boost morale and preserve trained manpower, Air Sea Rescue was transformed during the Second World War. After a career in the service, the former high speed rescue launch captain explores how air sea rescue developed in the years before, during and just after the Second World War and reflects on how changes in people, technology, techniques, training and increases in manpower moved the service forward. He also gives us a flavour of what life was like using launches to rescue airmen who came down in the sea. Gp. Capt. R. L. Flower addressed his lecture, Air Sea Rescue, to a meeting of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 27 September 1977. The recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, November 08, 2022
Richard Berthon, UK Director of Combat Air, Herman Claesen, FCAS Managing Director, BAE Systems and Air Cdre Jonny Moreton, UK Programme Director, Future Combat Air Acquisition Programme, UK discuss the highlights from a recent Royal Aeronautical Society roundtable on the FCAS/Team Tempest future fighter project.
Fri, October 07, 2022
What were the future challenges facing the armed forces and the Joint Helicopter Command in particular? How could the defence industry help to create a more effective battlefield helicopter capability? In order to help answer these two questions, Rear-Adm Johnstone-Burt explores the strengths of rotorcraft and the Joint Service approach and the strategic challenges that the Joint Helicopter Command and the UK’s armed forces more broadly faced, including those brought about by the use of social media. At the end of his lecture Rear-Adm Johnstone-Burt invites his audience to tell him how industry can help the armed forces to use new technology to best face these new challenges. The post-lecture discussion takes up this challenge by exploring MOD procurement and the aircraft industry. There is also discussion over other challenges faced by those who managed rotorcraft operations in British armed forces. Rear-Adm Tony Johnstone-Burt FRAeS addressed a meeting of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Air Power Group on 18 June 2009. The material and information contained in this lecture are UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2009 and the recording is the copyright of the Royal Aeronautical Society 2009. The podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, September 20, 2022
Lindbergh undertook one of the most remarkable flights in history. John Grierson takes us through every step of the epic flight which led Lindbergh to become the first man to fly the Atlantic single-handed. Grierson, an old friend of Lindbergh’s, also paints a portrait of the man, both before and after his epic flight, exploring his reluctance for the USA to enter the war, his polar flights and his interest in wildlife conservation. The recording includes a second tribute to Lindbergh, this time from Sir Peter Masefield, who argues that Lindbergh’s achievement was a turning point for aviation. John Grierson gave the Inaugural Lindbergh Memorial Lecture on 21 May 1975. The recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, August 12, 2022
The RAF’s F-35 Lightning II Requirements Manager and former project test pilot, Wg Cdr Jim Schofield FRAeS, starts his lecture by exploring how the F-35 would meet some of the UK’s defence needs up to 2050 and discusses the aircraft’s capabilities and many of its systems. He then describes his 2009 to 2012 tour as the MOD’s flight test pilot in the United States, including taking us through some of his test flights, including those trials at sea and at night. He concludes by telling us about the lessons he learnt during this fascinating part of his career. The audience were also shown four films illustrating actual and potential systems on the aircraft and aspects of the flight test programme. These can be viewed at https://www.aerosociety.com/news/audio-classic-lecture-f-35-flight-testing-by-wg-cdr-jim-schofield-fraes/. Wg Cdr Jim Schofield FRAeS addressed a meeting of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Flight Test Group on 17 March 2014. The material and information contained in this lecture are UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2014 and the recording is the copyright of the Royal Aeronautical Society 2014. The podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, July 22, 2022
Tim Robinson, Steven Bridgewater & Bella Richards review their highlights from their week at the 2022 Farnborough Air Show.
Mon, July 11, 2022
Soon after the end of the First World War, Britain’s aircraft manufacturers’ minds were drawn back to a £10,000 prize for the first to fly an aeroplane across the Atlantic Ocean. Join Peter Elliott & David Broughton as they take us into the Vickers Vimy cockpits with pilot John Alcock and navigator Arthur Whitten Brown as they race to be the first to leave Newfoundland, fly and navigate across nearly two thousand miles of sea and finally set foot on European soil. Peter Elliott & David Broughton addressed a joint seminar of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group & the Royal Institute of Navigation on 6 July 2009. The podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Mon, June 13, 2022
The first man to successfully fly over the Greenland ice cap chronicles how he, together with other figures such as Charles Lindbergh and Edward Byrd, used balloons, airships and aeroplanes to fly over the world’s great wildernesses and, in so doing, lay the path for air service routes across the roof of the world. John Grierson lectured to the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Prestwick Branch on 12 March 1964. The recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, May 13, 2022
In late 1945 the Royal Aircraft Establishment hosted displays of German and British aircraft and equipment. It was the first opportunity that many people had to see - in detail and up close - a wide range of aircraft that until recently had been either closely guarded, such as the Spiteful and Martin Baker MB 5, or cause for alarm, such as the Dornier Do 335 and Messerschmitt Me 262. German missiles as well as German and British jet engines were also shown, giving a fascinating glimpse of what might be to come. Amongst the crowds was a young Mike Bowyer and, nearly seventy years later and after a career as an aviation historian and journalist, he conjurers up the two days he spent exploring the all corners of the exhibition and tells us about the amazing aircraft he encountered. Michael J. F. Bowyer addressed a meeting of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 17 November 2014 and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, April 19, 2022
How was the USA’s quest to get the first man on the moon going halfway between JFK’s pledge and Neil Armstrong’s first giant step? Colonel John Glenn, the first American to orbit the earth, reviews NASA’s achievements before giving us a stage-by-stage view of how NASA was planning to get an astronaut to the moon and back. The lecture concludes with a fascinating question and answer session. A longer version of this recording, which includes Glenn talking through a range of images from the Space Programme, can be found on the RAeS website. Colonel John Glenn addressed the Royal Aeronautical Society on 8 October 1965. The recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Mon, March 14, 2022
An American showman turned aviator, Samuel Franklin Cody used his imagination, endless courage and engineering virtuosity to become the first man in Britain to fly in an aircraft of his own making. But can he rightly take a place amongst the world’s heroes? In this lecture, historian Peter Reese tells the story of how a man moved from performing a Wild West Show to becoming an aeronautical pioneer by building and flying some of the earliest man-carrying kites and aeroplane, before showing how, once the War Office declared against constructing aeroplanes in favour of airships, he raced his own aeroplanes and outflew his contemporaries. Peter Reese addressed the National Aerospace Library’s volunteers on 29 November 2021 and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Wed, February 09, 2022
RAeS has joined with Apprentices From BAE Systems to let you know what to expect from an apprenticeship. This Podcast hears Hannah, Emily and Hannah talk about why they chose an apprenticeship, how they felt about the application process, what their days work looks like and so much more.
Tue, February 08, 2022
One of the first aircraft manufacturers in the UK, Martin & Handasyde, later to be known as Martinsyde Ltd, became Britain’s third biggest manufacturer during the First World War and designed aircraft for the race across the Atlantic and from the UK to Australia. J. M. Bruce explains the history of this short-lived company and untangles the ‘threads of development’ that linked each of Martinsyde’s aircraft types. The recording concludes with a short question and answer session that includes reminiscences of George Handasyde’s deputy in the years after he left Martinsydes. J. M. Bruce MRAeS addressed a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 26 February 1968. The lecture was introduced by J. L. Nayler FRAeS FAIAA, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Mon, February 07, 2022
RAeS has joined with Apprentices From BAE Systems to let you know what to expect from an apprenticeship. This Podcast hears Chris and Jay talk about why they chose an apprenticeship, how they felt about the application process, what their days work looks like and so much more.
Tue, January 11, 2022
Kenneth Owen takes us through the twists and turns of the Anglo-French campaign to persuade the Americans to allow the supersonic aircraft to land in New York. He highlights how the French Aérospatiale and British BAC used different strategies to persuade American politicians and the judiciary to accept Concorde on the transatlantic route and shows the hoops that the manufacturers had to jump though in order to overcome environmental concerns held in both Washington DC and New York. Owen begins his story by examining British attempts to get an Anglo-American supersonic project off the ground and also explores how the British and French team persuaded the FAA to give the aircraft type certification that would enable US airlines to fly the supersonic airliner. The recording includes a fascinating discussion with members of the audience, which included former politicians, civil servants and British Airways employees that were directly involved in the story. Kenneth Owen FRAeS gave his lecture to a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 29 April 1997. The lecture is introduced by Frank Armstrong FRAeS, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Wed, December 01, 2021
In the heat of World War II, John Charnley was sent from his red-brick university to the heart of aero research in the UK, the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough. In this archive recording, Sir John describes the transition into the RAE Aerodynamics Department’s Flight Test Division and his work on many of the problems associated with high-speed flight, starting with work on the Gloster E.28/39 which tested Whittle’s jet engine. After twelve years Sir John moved from the very fast to the very slow, when he was sent to head the RAE Blind Landing Experimental Unit. Charnley explains how he helped to move the Unit’s purely military work landing V-bombers in poor conditions, to include civil applications leading to the development of the AUTOLAND system. A fuller account of the work of the Blind Landing project can be found in Sir John’s Journal of Aeronautical History paper at https://www.aerosociety.com/JAHblindlanding. Sir John Charnley was interviewed as part of the DERA Oral History Project in 2000 and the recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, November 19, 2021
The ‘Warsaw Warrior’, George Tompkins Jnr, has probably defended more cases involving the Warsaw Convention than anyone else. In this fascinating lecture, Tompkins takes us into the courtrooms and corridors of power where he helped to shift the USA’s stance on the limitation of liabilities that passengers faced when litigating against airlines in the USA. He then takes us to the Montreal Treaty negotiations where, as legal aid to IATA at the conference, the rules were re-written, before making some observations on the post-Montreal world. The recording includes a question-and-answer session and a vote of thanks by Harold Caplan FRAeS. George Tompkins Jnr gave the RAeS Air Law Group’s 10th Beaumont Memorial Lecture on 16 June 2011. The session was introduced by Robert and the recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, November 09, 2021
To celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of Black British Aviators to UK aerospace, the RAeS podcast speaks to filmmaker, writer, actor, and social commentator; Andrew Rajan. We will look at some of the little-known stories of achievement by people of colour within Britain's military forces and how they may inspire the black and brown people of today's UK.
Fri, October 01, 2021
BAE Hawks’ first Chief Aerodynamicist explores the creation of the last all-British military aircraft. He takes us from the first concept, to fulfil the RAF’s demand for a new trainer, through the major design decisions and challenges facing the project’s development, and shows how the team brought the project in on time, on cost and on spec. The full story of the Hawk can be found in Harry Fraser-Mitchell’s paper in the Journal of Aeronautical History, which can be accessed via https://www.aerosociety.com/media/4842/the-hawk-story.pdf Harry Fraser-Mitchell gave the first paper in an evening dedicated to the Hawk Aircraft : A British Success Story. The evening was organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 20 October 2011. The session was introduced by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS and the recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, October 01, 2021
BAE Hawk test pilot, Chris Roberts, takes us through the challenges faced by the flight test team that put the Hawk T1 to T45 through their paces. He starts off by explaining the main problems with the T1, before describing the demands of foreign buyers, including the Finnish Air Force and, most importantly, the challenges of producing the T45 Goshawk for the US Navy. Chris Roberts gave the second paper in an evening dedicated to the Hawk Aircraft : A British Success Story. The evening was organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 20 October 2011. The session was introduced by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS and the recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Fri, October 01, 2021
BAE Hawk Chief Engineer, Andrew Bradley, explains how the aircraft developed from the turn of the millennium. He looks at the demands of foreign customers, such as those in India, South Africa and Australia, and explores the Hawk T.Mk.2 programme, which was brought into service with the RAF during 2008. He concludes by predicting how the Hawk story would continue into the 2010s. The paper finishes with a question-and-answer session, in which Andrew Bradley is joined by Harry Fraser-Mitchell FRAeS and Chris Roberts. Topics explored include the story behind the development of the SMURF and the secret of the aircraft’s long-term success. Andrew Bradley gave the last paper in an evening dedicated to the Hawk Aircraft : A British Success Story. The evening was organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 20 October 2011. The session was introduced by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS and the recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, September 14, 2021
Brooklands was the experimental flying grounds used by many of our early aero pioneers, including the firm that would later dominate its aviation history, Vickers. Dr Gardner, who spent over forty years with Vickers and BAC, takes us through the story of Brooklands. After starting with its archaeology and pre-motoring history, Gardner moves on to explore how the aviation pioneers used a car racing circuit to solve some of the mysteries of heavier than air flight and reminisces about the days of the Brooklands flying club, before looking at the achievements made during the Vickers era. Dr H. H. Gardner FRAeS gave his lecture to a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 18 November 1969. The lecture is introduced by J. L. Nayler FRAeS FAIAA, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Tue, August 24, 2021
The last of the aircraft photography pioneers takes us step-by-step through a typical air-to-air photographic flight during the 1960s. He also describes the different aircraft he used before and after the Second World War and the extra challenges faced by those who take photographs from aircraft carriers and parachutes. Please note, due to the age of this recording, there are periods of poor sound quality throughout. Cyril Peckham gave his lecture, History of Air Photography, to a meeting organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Historical Group on 29 January 1968. The lecture is introduced by J. L. Nayler FRAeS FAIAA, the recording was digitised thanks to a grant from the RAeS Foundation and the podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
Mon, July 12, 2021
On 8 July 2006 a team from the University of Toronto flew a full-sized, piloted, flapping-wing aircraft. In this entertaining lecture the project’s leader, Prof James DeLaurier, shows us the inspiration behind the project and guides us through the research, design, testing, construction and certification stages, before taking us through the events of an early morning in 2006 when a pilot flew the Ornithopter No.1, nick named “The Big Flapper”, for fourteen seconds over Bombardier’s Airfield in Toronto. Prof James DeLaurier MRAeS presented his lecture. Ornithopter Research, to a meeting of the Royal Aeronautical Society on 12 September 2007. The lecture was introduced by AVM David Couzens FRAeS and the film & podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
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