Royal Aeronautical Society Podcast
The Royal Aeronautical Society Podcast covers topics related to the aerospace industry, including aviation, aeronautics, and space exploration. It features interviews with experts, discussions on the latest developments, and insights into the history and future of flight. The podcast is produced by the Royal Aeronautical Society, a professional body dedicated to the aerospace community.
Episodes
From laminar flow research to pioneering greener aviation: an academic career in aerodynamics and aerospace engineering - an interview with Prof Ian Poll OBE FREng FCGI Hon FAIAA FRAeS
Taking up the challenge of greening aviation, undertaking fundamental research and guiding university departments, in this fascinating interview, Prof. Ian Poll reflects on a remarkable career spanning pioneering aerodynamics research, university leadership at Cranfield and Manchester, research work at NASA Langley, and the challenge of making aviation more sustainable with Greener by Design.
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NOTAM News 3 September 2026
Welcome to NOTAM News, a new podcast from the AEROSPACE team.
In this first episode Deputy Editor, Stephen Bridgewater FRAeS, and Features Editor, Dominic Ward, discuss some of the latest news and hot topics from across aviation, aerospace and space – including Airlink’s flypast in South Africa, Heart Aerospace flying its X1 demonstrator, the latest aircraft developed to fit into in the FAA’s new
AEROSPACE NOTAM - August and September 2026
In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (August and September 2026) edition of the magazine.
From the cockpit to the flight deck – learning, flying and teaching the airliners and first time in the Concorde test pilot’s seat – part two of an interview with Alan Smith
Determined to become an airline pilot after leaving the RAF in 1959, Alan Smith takes us through his tough self-financed route to his Airline Transport Pilot’s licence before breaking into the airlines, flying the DC-3, the Heron and the BAC One-Eleven in his time in Jersey Airline and on the flying staff at BAC. As well as training outside pilots on the One-Eleven, Smith also tells stories of bei
Developing Rolls-Royce engines for the civil jets…an interview with Professor Geoffrey Kirk CEng FREng FRAeS
From resolving problems with the RB211 fitted on the TriStar to persuading Airbus that the Trent 500 was what they needed for the A340, Professor Geoffrey Kirk led many of the design teams that kept Roll-Royce’s engines powering civil airliners from the 1960s to the 2000s. After retiring as Chief Designer of Civil Engines at Rolls-Royce in 2007, he has turned to education, becoming an Honorary Pro
AEROSPACE NOTAM - July 2026
In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (July 2026) edition of the magazine.
AEROSPACE NOTAM - June 2026 - Specialist Group Insight
In this episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM Specialist Group Insight, Seth Moffat of the Royal Aeronautical Society Flight Operations Group (FOG) Specialist Group talks to Capt Ron Karo about post-aviation accident assistance from the human standpoint. When a serious accident occurs - how do airlines provide support for friends and families with emergency response planning? For more information on the Roya
AEROSPACE NOTAM - June 2026
In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (June 2026) edition of the magazine.
An Interview with ACM Sir John Allison KCB CBE: A determination to fly - from RAF Cadet to leading Strike Command
From a childhood obsession with flying, Sir John Allison built a remarkable RAF career spanning 1961 to 1999, rising from pilot cadet to Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command. Throughout his interview, Sir John reflects on flying many of the 116 aircraft types recorded in his logbook. He explores his early career flying Lightnings, working with the US Air Force operating the Phantom II and serving
AEROSPACE NOTAM - Q&A with new RAeS President 2026-27 Prof Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS
In this special episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM podcast, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson FRAeS chats to new Royal Aeronautical Society President 2026-27, Professor Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS about his upcoming Presidential themes, why space is so important to us all - plus he picks his favourite science fiction film.
AEROSPACE NOTAM - RAeS President 2025-26 Dr Alisdair Wood FRAeS rounds-up his Presidential year
In this special episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM podcast, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson FRAeS chats to Royal Aeronautical Society President 2025-26, Dr Alisdair Wood FRAeS about his Presidential year, his favourite moments and why he is passionate about the 'art' of aeronautics. www.aerosociety.com
AEROSPACE NOTAM - May 2026
In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (May 2026) edition of the magazine.
Ballooning passion and air traffic at Farnborough Airshows…an interview with air traffic controller John Baker
In the second part of his interview, John Baker, shares how a balloon meet sparked his lifelong passion for ballooning and all lighter-than-air flight.
As a dedicated collector of balloon and airship related books and memorabilia, he has a remarkable collection of LP covers and 14 to 15 bookcases devoted to balloons and airships. He serves as an archivist for the British Balloon Museum and Librar
AEROSPACE NOTAM - April 2026
In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (April 2026) edition of the magazine. Plus we talk to Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group on the impact of
An interview with John Baker…forty years in air traffic control (1970-2010)
From filling in paper slips at West Drayton to the high tech world at Swanwick, John Baker reflects on a four-decades managing the skies above Britain. From explaining how he got a job at West Drayton and his initial training, to life at Swanwick, he explores the demanding lifestyle, challenges and fun he had along the way.
Leaving school with four ‘O’ Levels, the minimum entry requirement at the
AEROSPACE NOTAM - March 2026 - Iran conflict analysis
In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (March 2026) edition of the magazine, as well as looking at the military and commercial aviation implications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
An interview with Roger Cansdale CEng FRAeS… a career in helicopter development at the RAE
Helicopter man Roger Cansdale CEng FRAeS reflects on a remarkable four-decade career in aerospace and weapons development with the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) and QinetiQ. From helicopter programmes and advancing flight safety to contributing to cutting-edge weapons systems, Roger shares his insights on the innovations, challenges, and his lasting impact on UK aviation and defence.
After gr
AEROSPACE NOTAM - February 2026
In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (February 2026) edition of the magazine.
Why run an apprenticeship?
Why do companies choose to run apprenticeship programmes? We spoke directly to the employers who hire apprentices to explore the real value apprenticeships bring to their businesses, featuring insights from 2Excel Aviation and Marshall ADG.
AEROSPACE NOTAM - Singapore Airshow Preview
As next week's biennial Singapore Airshow sets to ready to take-off next week, TIM ROBINSON FRAeS and STEPHEN BRIDGEWATER FRAeS preview the 10th edition of Asia's largest aerospace exhibition at the Changi Exhibition Centre from 3–8 February 2026.
An interview with Arthur Kearse CEng FRAeS....reflections on a career in weapons development and beyond with RAE and QinetiQ
Arthur’s highly successful career followed an unconventional path. He left school with a mix of GCEs, O Levels, and two A Levels, neither of which were Maths, but with plenty of practical know-how from his father. Describing himself as ‘vastly overconfident but vastly underqualified’, Arthur was unsure of his future until a careers adviser’s suggestion led him to Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE)
AEROSPACE NOTAM - January 2026
In the latest podcast in the 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 latest (January 2026) edition of the magazine. (Note podcast recorded in late December)
An interview with John Romain MBE…Tom Cruise’s stunt pilot and aircraft restorer
John Romain MBE is a distinguished engineer, display pilot, and commercially successful aircraft restorer whose career has placed him at the forefront of historic aviation. He began his journey as a technician apprenticeship at Hawker Siddeley Dynamics and British Aerospace before helping restore Graham Warner’s Blenheim and founding the Aircraft Restoration Company, which now employs over seventy
AEROSPACE NOTAM - December 2025
In the latest podcast in 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 (December 2025) edition of the magazine. Meanwhile, Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group talks to ex-Emirates
An interview with Alan Smith.....from shipyards to Concorde - learning to fly, RAF service with Meteors and Venoms and trying to get into the airlines
Concorde Test pilot Alan Smith’s path to BAC took him to flying Meteors and Venoms for the RAF and a colourful life in the pilot’s seat for smaller airlines in the late 1950s and into the 1960s. In this first interview, Alan Smith shares how he discovered his passion for aviation and recounts the early years of his RAF flying career, leading to his transition into civil airlines and ultimately bec
AEROSPACE NOTAM - Dubai Air Show 2025 preview
Rival stealth fighters, eVTOLs in the air display and the 40th anniversary of the global airline giant that is Emirates, make this year’s Dubai Airshow the most exciting yet. AEROSPACE Editor in Chief TIM ROBINSON FRAeS and Deputy Editor STEPHEN BRIDGEWATER FRAeS preview the show
AEROSPACE NOTAM - November 2025
In the latest podcast in 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 (November 2025) edition of the magazine. Plus in our regular Specialist Group Insight segment, the RAeS Flight Operations Group
An interview with….. Philip Jarrett HonCRAeS on aero magazines and writing history
Philip Jarrett HonCRAeS is Britain’s foremost historian on the early days of aviation and spent his early career working on the production side for some of the most respected aviation titles such as the Aeroplane Monthly, Flight International, and the first days of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s AEROSPACE magazine.
Philip takes us through how his love of aviation was kindled and encouraged by ma
AEROSPACE NOTAM - October 2025
In the latest podcast in 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 (October 2025) edition of the magazine. Plus we chat to Chris Hunter from the RAeS Flight Simulation Group to find out about the
AEROSPACE NOTAM - September 2025
In the latest podcast in 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 (September 2025) edition of the magazine.
An interview with Derek Ruben….a journey through one hundred years of aviation from airships to supersonic flight
From working on the Miles Marathon and an early drone for ML Aviation to certifying the Boeing 747, Derek Ruben enjoyed a remarkable and distinguished career as an aeronautical engineer. Inspired as a schoolboy in the 1920s by the sight of airships over London and further encouraged in the 1930s by seeing Alan Cobham’s ‘Flying Circus’. Now 104 years old, Derek recalls starting aeronautical enginee
AEROSPACE NOTAM - August 2025
In the latest podcast in 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 (August 2025) edition of the magazine. In this episode, in the Specialist Group Insight segment, Flight Operations Group Chair
Philip Riley FRAeS….. a view of the top of the British aerospace industry, 1960s to the 1990s
From 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 industry from the mid-1960s to the early years of the present century, living and breathing the roller coaster of amalgamations, nationalisations, mergers and privatisations tha
An interview with….. Arthur Webb FRAeS on consultancy and joining the board
After leaving Ferrari, Arthur struck-out on his own as an engineering consultant, with projects ranging from trolley buses in post-Cold War Hungary to designing MRI scanner beds and defence work. One of clients, St Bernard’s Composites, liked working with him so much that they offered him the role of Technical Director with a seat on the board. Arthur recalls some of the interesting projects St. B
An interview with…. Arthur Webb FRAeS joins Ferrari Formula 1 Racing
When John Barnard was tempted to join Ferrari there was only one man that he wanted to cook-up his carbon fibres and do the stressing – Arthur Webb. They had a year to create the Guildford Technical Office (GTO) before the car needed to reach the grid. Of course, Arthur also had to go to Maranello and get the thumbs up from the great man, Enzo Ferrari.
Eur Ing Arthur Webb FRAeS was interviewed by
An interview with…..Arthur Webb FRAeS on secret projects at ML Aviation and Marconi Space
After not liking the way the nationalised BAC was going, Arthur Webb left Weybridge and headed to the small, secret and innovative special projects office of ML Aviation then onto Marconi Space. Here he tells us a little about working on drones, the JP233 anti-runway bomb for the Tornado, Skynet 4 and ESA’s Eureka project.
Eur Ing Arthur Webb FRAeS was interviewed by Tony Pilmer FRAeS in 2024 as p
AEROSPACE NOTAM - June 2025
In 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
An interview with….. Arthur Webb FRAeS on bringing carbon fibre to Formula 1
When a young John Barnard was appointed as McLaren’s designer, he decided that carbon fibre was the future of Formula 1, but who should he ask to help him with his design? The answer was Arthur Webb of BAC. For a bit of fun in his own time, Arthur became McLaren’s unofficial carbon fibre consultant. Over the next few years, John and Arthur designed, tested and constructed the first carbon fibre sh
An interview with….. Arthur Webb FRAeS on bringing Carbon Fibre to Civil Aviation
After marching up to the front gate of the BAC Weybridge factory and demanding to see the Chief Stressman, Arthur Webb was given the job of finding something useful to do with the new magic composite material discovered at the Royal Aircraft Establishment – carbon fibre.
In this part of his oral history interview, Arthur explores how he led a team to design the first certified civil aircraft compo
An interview with….. Arthur Webb FRAeS on stressing the Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy and the Lockheed C5 Galaxy wings
Stressing the 3-spar wing Armstrong-Whitworth Series 220 Argosy and the massive Lockheed C5 Galaxy wings was a fascinating way for an aero engineer in his twenties and early thirties to begin his career. As well as describing the design challenges, including the Argosy’s early use of bonded composites, Arthur shares what it was like during the brain drain: firstly working on the Galaxy for a UK co
AEROSPACE NOTAM - May 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 (May 2025) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also interview outgoing RAeS President David Chinn FRAeS. Find out more at www.
An interview with Dr Graham Rood FRAeS… sound research at the RAE and safeguarding RAE’s legacy
From 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 o
An interview with Pat Pearce MBE…from serving in the skies to changing young lives with Dreamflight
Pat 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
AEROSPACE NOTAM - April 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 (April 2025) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also have the Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Fl
An interview with Dr C G B (Kit) Mitchell FRAeS…. From Concorde undercarriages at the RAE and designing light aircraft to promoting of aviation history
Former 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 accomp
AEROSPACE NOTAM - March 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 (March 2025) edition of the magazine. In this episode, we also have the Specialist Group Insight with Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Fl
World Book Day 2025 - Keith Hayward on aircraft designers' memoirs
If you were to choose your desert island book from the shelves of the National Aerospace Library, what would you choose? For World Book Day, the National Aerospace Library asked aviation historian and academic Prof. Keith Hayward FRAeS, to do just that. Find out why he chose the unpublished memoirs of two of Britain's great aircraft designers: W.E.W. Petter and Sir Freddie Page.
alta Mentoring - Intersectionality in Mentoring
alta 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.
Cansdale talks to…. Sir Donald Spiers HonFRAeS
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
An interview with Dr C G B (Kit) Mitchell FRAeS…. Making public transport disability-friendly the RAE way
As 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
AEROSPACE NOTAM - February 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
An interview with……Don Cameron MBE FRAeS, ballooning pioneer
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 devel
AEROSPACE NOTAM - January 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 Flig
AEROSPACE NOTAM - December 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 Fli
An interview with Stewart John FREng FRAeS on engineering for post-war airlines
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
AEROSPACE NOTAM - November 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 Fli
Elvis Tinago Interview - celebrating Black History Month 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 a
Jackson Smith Interview - celebrating Black History Month 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 conv
National Mentoring Day 2024: alta Mentoring Spotlight
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 welco
An interview with AVM Graham Skinner...a varied and distinguished engineering career in the RAF
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
AEROSPACE NOTAM - October 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 Flig
An interview with Mike Howlett…flying aircraft for 70 years in the RAF and BOAC
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 flyi
An 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. Katrin
An interview with Sir Donald Spiers HonFRAeS…from graduate apprentice to MOD Controller of Aircraft
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
AEROSPACE NOTAM - September 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
An interview with...Sir Harry Garner at the RAE and beyond
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
AEROSPACE NOTAM - August 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
AEROSPACE NOTAM - Farnborough Air Show 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.
AEROSPACE NOTAM - July 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 Grou
AEROSPACE NOTAM - June 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
Classic Podcasts - Triumph Tears : British Aviation from 1945-75 by Peter Reese
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 fixa
AEROSPACE NOTAM - May 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.co
RAeS Corporate Partner Briefing: Fireside Chat with Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton RAF
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.
Rewind – The Schneider Trophy by W. Cox
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 technol
AEROSPACE NOTAM - April 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
Classic Lectures - The Contribution of Power Jets Ltd to Jet Propulsion by G. B. R. Feilden
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
AEROSPACE NOTAM - March 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
AEROSPACE NOTAM Singapore 2024
AEROSPACE Editor-in-Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater sum up the 2024 Singapore Air Show
An interview with the civil pioneers….. life flying the HP.42 and seaplanes for Imperial Airway
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 Se
Interview with the civil pioneers.. the first Brisbane-Singapore route to post-war Qantas management
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 positi
