Royal Air Squadron
 | |
| Formation | 1 February 1966 |
|---|---|
| Founders |
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The Royal Air Squadron (RAS) is a flying club in the United Kingdom founded in 1966 by Peter Vanneck, Hugh Astor and Anthony Cayzer - friends who shared a passionate interest in flying light aircraft. Prince Philip was the Squadron's Air Commodore. Two of the earliest members were Second World War aviators Douglas Bader and Hugh Dundas. Others included Max Aitkin, Tommy Sopwith, Kenneth McAlpine, John Houlder and Lord Waterpark.[1][2]
The RAS was founded as "The Air Squadron" in 1966. In 2016 the association was granted the right to use the title "Royal".
The RAS has gone on various group flights in several countries - including: Russia, Jordan, Tanzania, USA, Pakistan, South Africa, Serbia,[3] Ukraine.[4]
The RAS sponsors several awards, listed as follows by the awarding institution.
British Aerobatic Association:
- The Air Squadron Trophy.[5]
- LAA Air Squadron Trophy for homebuilt aircraft.[6]
Combined Cadet Force (Royal Air Force):
- The Air Squadron Trophy: Awarded annually to the Best RAF Section participating in the Ground Training Competition.[7]
- The Sir John Thomson (RAF) Memorial Sword.
- The Geoffrey de Havilland Flying Foundation Medal for CCF Achievement.
- The Air Squadron Sword of Honour is awarded every six months to the top officer cadet.
- The Air Squadron Millennium Sword of Friendship. The sword is kept in the Pentagon and awarded to the top Air Force cadet each year.[8]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Royal Air Squadron – A group of friends with a common interest in aviation". airsquadron.org. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
- ^ Martin, Alex (2009). Far Horizons. A History of the Air Squadron. UK: Bene Factum. p. 272. ISBN 9781903071212.
- ^ British Embassy in Serbia
- ^ "British Air Squadron flies to Ukraine to test wartime planes - YouTube". youtube.com. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
- ^ British Aerobatic Association
- ^ "About us". Royal Air Squadron. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- ^ "RAF Air Cadet Organization". aircadets.org. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
- ^ Official website of the United States Air Force