Shows
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastPhilip Riley FRAeS….. a view of the top of the British aerospace industry, 1960s to the 1990sFrom British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) and into BAE Systems (BAe), as one of BAe’s senior lawyers, Philip Riley FRAeS was well positioned to witness the people, the projects and the issues that shaped the British aircraft ndustry from the mid-1960s to the early years of the present century, living and breathing the roller coaster of amalgamations, nationalisations, mergers and privatisations that characterised the industry during those years.
Philip relished the opportunity to travel the world negotiating contracts and financial packages supporting the sale of aircraft such as the BAC One Eleven whilst working with some of...2025-07-231h 38
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - June 2025In the latest podcast in series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater are joined by freelance author Charlotte Bailey to analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (June 2025) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also interview incoming RAeS President Alasdair Wood FRAeS. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
2025-06-101h 12
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - May 2025In 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 (May 2025) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also interview outgoing RAeS President David Chinn FRAeS. Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
2025-05-071h 23
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with Dr Graham Rood FRAeS… sound research at the RAE and safeguarding RAE’s legacyFrom the sonic booms of Concorde to the cockpits of fighter aircraft, noise has always been a problem for aviators. Dr Graham Rood spent a fascinating career reducing the negative effects of sound, including groundbreaking research into helmet-based noise cancelling systems, and, in retirement, has joined colleagues at the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) to safeguard the legacy generations of aeronautical researchers who worked in the birthplace of British aviation.
After receiving excellent all-round training as a Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) apprentice, Graham joined the Ministry of Defence’s Inspection Directorate, where he worked closely with aero en...2025-04-161h 08
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with Pat Pearce MBE…from serving in the skies to changing young lives with DreamflightPat Pearce has enjoyed a truly remarkable 39-year career in aviation flying with BOAC and British Airways, beginning as a stewardess and rising to the position of Cabin Services Director. Her journey, which includes experience on aircraft ranging from the DC-3 to the Boeing 777, reflects the evolution of air travel over the decades. Among the many memorable moments from her time in the skies, Pat fondly recalls the honour of flying with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Equally remarkable – arguably even more so – is her role as the founder of the charity Dreamflight. Each year, the organisation raise...2025-04-1633 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - April 2025In 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 (April 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 and Robert Scott who discuss the recent Single Pilot Operations conference. (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.aerosociety.com
2025-04-041h 05
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with Dr C G B (Kit) Mitchell FRAeS…. From Concorde undercarriages at the RAE and designing light aircraft to promoting of aviation historyFormer Royal Aircraft Establishment Officer Dr Kit Mitchell gives a detailed account of his aeronautical career, describing the key challenges he overcame to improve various aircraft, from Concorde to his own light aircraft. He starts off with one of his early achievements whilst still at Cranfield University where he solved the Morane-Saulnier Paris jet trainer's elevator flutter issue, an accomplishment that earned him and his supervisor a celebratory lunch in the Bois de Boulogne.
After gaining experience with variable sweep aircraft at Vickers Armstrong in Weybridge, he joined the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) Flutter and Vibration Division...2025-03-191h 17
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - March 2025In 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 (March 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 Capt Kimberly Coryat, who discuss women in aviation, progress made so far and barriers that female airline pilots still face. (Get in contact with FOG via membership@aerosociety.com) Find out more at www.ae...2025-03-071h 01
Royal Aeronautical Society Podcastalta Mentoring - Intersectionality in Mentoringalta Mentoring is a free mentoring platform designed by women, for women working in the aerospace industry. alta users have access to training modules to support them in their mentoring journey. In this podcast, Prof. Susan Durbin, Alessandra Badino and Liz Mulhall discuss the latest module which is focused on Intersectionality.
2025-03-0439 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with Dr C G B (Kit) Mitchell FRAeS…. Making public transport disability-friendly the RAE wayAs well as working at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) for many years, Dr 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...2025-02-1928 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - February 2025In 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
2025-02-0757 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with……Don Cameron MBE FRAeS, ballooning pioneerThe 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 whic...2025-01-221h 11
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - January 2025In 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.com2025-01-081h 33
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - December 2024In 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.com2024-12-041h 40
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with Stewart John FREng FRAeS on engineering for post-war airlinesFormer 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 an...2024-11-1951 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - November 2024In 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)2024-11-051h 19
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastElvis Tinago Interview - celebrating Black History Month 2024In 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!2024-10-3126 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastJackson Smith Interview - celebrating Black History Month 2024In 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!II2024-10-3119 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastNational Mentoring Day 2024: alta Mentoring SpotlightNational 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.2024-10-281h 12
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with AVM Graham Skinner...a varied and distinguished engineering career in the RAFAir 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...2024-10-091h 11
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - October 2024In 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.com2024-10-021h 18
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with Mike Howlett…flying aircraft for 70 years in the RAF and BOACMichael ‘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...2024-09-1852 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with Katrina Sudell…‘lady engineer’ with BAC in the 1970s (abridged)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...2024-09-1840 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with Sir Donald Spiers HonFRAeS…from graduate apprentice to MOD Controller of AircraftSir 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 Engines2024-09-1851 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - September 2024In 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.com2024-09-051h 08
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with...Sir Harry Garner at the RAE and beyondThe 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 Harr...2024-09-0319 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - August 2024In 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.com2024-08-051h 07
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - Farnborough Air Show 2024AEROSPACE 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.2024-07-2523 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - July 2024In 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.com2024-07-031h 01
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - June 2024In 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.com2024-05-311h 38
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Podcasts - Triumph Tears : British Aviation from 1945-75 by Peter ReeseIn 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...2024-05-1550 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - May 2024In 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.com2024-04-301h 15
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRAeS Corporate Partner Briefing: Fireside Chat with Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton RAFListen 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.2024-04-2441 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRewind – The Schneider Trophy by W. CoxThe 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 Hi...2024-04-101h 12
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - April 2024In 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.com2024-03-2958 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lectures - The Contribution of Power Jets Ltd to Jet Propulsion by G. B. R. FeildenAfter 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...2024-03-071h 13
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - March 2024In 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.com2024-03-0147 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM Singapore 2024AEROSPACE Editor-in-Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater sum up the 2024 Singapore Air Show2024-02-2340 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers….. life flying the HP.42 and seaplanes for Imperial AirwayRAF 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...2024-02-1413 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastInterview with the civil pioneers.. the first Brisbane-Singapore route to post-war Qantas managementCaptain 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...2024-02-1418 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - February 2024In 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.com2024-01-301h 12
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRewind - Fair Names & Famous - Naming of British Aircraft & Engines by Gordon T. Wansbrough-WhiteWhat’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.2024-01-171h 22
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - January 2024In 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.com2024-01-021h 01
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture: The invention of the aeroplane near Scarborough at the time of Trafalgar“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 fr...2023-12-271h 07
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - December 2023In 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.com2023-11-2846 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM Dubai 2023AEROSPACE 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.2023-11-1744 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers… Kingsford Smith & Australian National Airways between the warsAfter 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...2023-11-1450 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers….. Flying for Qantas between the wars by Captain Russell TappTapp 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...2023-11-1429 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers….. Creating Australian airfields by Lt Cdr A. D. S. MurrayAircraft 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.2023-11-1414 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - November 2023In 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.com2023-10-3152 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRewind – Aeronautical Aspects of the Spanish Civil War by Brian Armstrong MRAeSThe 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 th...2023-10-101h 53
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - October 2023In 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.com2023-09-2936 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers….. Flying for Imperial Airways in the 1930s and 1940sAfter 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...2023-09-1123 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers... Karachi to New Zealand Catalina Flying Boat survey flightThe 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.2023-09-1112 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - September 2023In 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.com2023-08-2954 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers…. early days of the Karachi to Singapore routeCaptain 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...2023-08-1627 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers…. first experimental civil flight between Karachi and DarwinIn 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.2023-08-1615 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - August 2023In 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.com2023-07-2858 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - TSR-2: Panel DiscussionWas 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.2023-07-1159 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - TSR-2: A Warning for Tempest? By Dr Michael Pryce MRAeSWhat 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 fo...2023-07-1132 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - TSR-2: What could have been? By Benjamin GoodladWhat 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.2023-07-1132 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - TSR-2: Empty Skies: British procurement dilemmas and opportunities following TSR-2The 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.2023-07-1129 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - TSR-2: A ‘melancholy spectacle’: the downfall of the TSR-2 by Clive RichardsHow 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 1965.2023-07-1128 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - July 2023In 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.com2023-06-301h 00
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastNOTAM - Paris 2023Listen to the AEROSPACE team sum up the 2023 Paris Air Show.2023-06-2357 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastPride Month 2023 - Supporting LGBTQ+ People in Aviation: A conversation with EPANHappy 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/diversity2023-06-2121 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - TSR-2: Off-the-Shelf Options by Paul Stoddart FRAeSHow 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.2023-06-1439 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - TSR-2: Building the industrial coalition by Prof Keith Hayward FRAeSKeith 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...2023-06-1429 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - TSR-2: From Paper to Hardware by Tony Buttler AMRAeSTony 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.2023-06-1440 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - TSR-2: The path to GOR339, 1951-1957 by Clive RichardsClive 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 1957.2023-06-1427 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM -June 2023In 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.com2023-05-3047 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers.... flying over the Middle East with Capt H. W. C. AlgerCaptain 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...2023-05-0933 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers….. aircraft maintenance in the desert with Capt W. L. GarnerThough 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 f...2023-05-0928 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - May 2023In 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.com2023-04-2848 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with the civil pioneers... early days of flying over the Outback with Capt Lester BrainCaptain 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...2023-04-191h 28
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAEROSPACE NOTAM - April 2023In 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.com2023-03-311h 15
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRewind - The History of the SRN Series of Hovercraft by Ray Wheeler FRAeSThe 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 t...2023-03-291h 29
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastInternational Women’s Day 2023: alta Mentoring SpotlightHappy 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.2023-03-0728 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastGreener by Design Group Debate: Aviation will not meet net zero by 2050The 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.2023-03-011h 51
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture: Flying the X-15 by Robert M. WhiteThe 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.
Rober...2023-02-221h 46
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastWhy Run an ApprenticeshipIt’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 ADG2023-02-0723 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRewind: Challenges in the age of hybrid warfare by ACM Sir Christopher Moran FRAeSAfter 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 ga...2023-01-1047 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture: History of Supermarine by A.N. Clifton FRAeSSupermarine 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 firs...2022-12-121h 20
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRewind: Evolution of Air Sea Rescue around the Second World War by Gp. Capt. R. L. FlowerSpurred 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...2022-11-241h 04
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRAeS Team Tempest Roundtable PodcastRichard 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.2022-11-0819 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRewind: Rotary Wing Aspects of Air Power in Land Operations by Rear-Adm Tony Johnstone-Burt FRAeSWhat 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 us...2022-10-071h 04
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRewind - Charles A Lindbergh: a pioneer remembered by John GriersonLindbergh 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...2022-09-201h 17
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture - F-35 flight testing by Wg Cdr Jim Schofield FRAeSThe 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...2022-08-121h 10
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastFarnborough Air Show 2022 AEROSPACE wrap-up podcastTim Robinson, Steven Bridgewater & Bella Richards review their highlights from their week at the 2022 Farnborough Air Show.2022-07-2235 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture: Conquering the Atlantic : Alcock & Brown by Peter Elliott & David BroughtonSoon 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 Navi...2022-07-111h 24
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture – The history of polar aviation by John GriersonThe 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.2022-06-131h 07
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture: Farnborough 1945 : Farewell to the Luftwaffe - pointers to the futureIn 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...2022-05-131h 00
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture: Getting the first man on the moon – a view from 1965 by Col. John GlennHow 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 addresse...2022-04-1956 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture: Cody – the hero? By Peter Reese AMRAeSAn 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 ae...2022-03-141h 01
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRAeS Podcast with Aerospace Business and Project Management Apprentices, from BAE Systems.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.2022-02-0948 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastRewind: A History of Martinsydes by J. M. Bruce MRAeSOne 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...2022-02-081h 48
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAerospace Engineering Apprentices from BAE Systems.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.2022-02-0736 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastClassic Lecture: Concorde and the Americans by Kenneth Owen FRAeSKenneth 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 t...2022-01-111h 45
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastAn interview with…Sir John Charnley on blind landing and life at the RAE’s Aero FlightIn 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 expl...2021-12-0145 min
Royal Aeronautical Society PodcastBlack History Month RAeS Podcast - Hidden Figures: Interview with author Andrew Rajan ThanksTo 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.2021-11-0941 min