Royal Aeronautical Society Podcast
- Episodes
- 100
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Nov 12, 2026
About the podcast
The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world’s only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community. Established in 1866 to further the art, science and engineering of aeronautics, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace ever since.
Episodes 100
AEROSPACE NOTAM - November 2026 - Specialist Group Insight
In this episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM Specialist Group Insight Seth Moffat, Chair of the Royal Aeronautical Society's Flight Operations Group (FOG) Specialist Group, is joined by Shem Malmquist FRAeS, Visiting …
Show notes
In this episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM Specialist Group Insight Seth Moffat, Chair of the Royal Aeronautical Society's Flight Operations Group (FOG) Specialist Group, is joined by Shem Malmquist FRAeS, Visiting Professor at the Florida Institute of Technology aviation safety researcher and former Boeing 777 captain, to explore airborne weather radar.
For more information on the Royal Aeronautical Society visit www.aerosociety.com
NOTAM News Friday 6th November 2026
Welcome to NOTAM News, a new podcast from the AEROSPACE team. Editor-in-Chief, Tim Robinson FRAeS, is joined by Deputy Editor, Stephen Bridgewater FRAeS, to discuss some of the latest news and hot topics from …
Show notes
Welcome to NOTAM News, a new podcast from the AEROSPACE team.
Editor-in-Chief, Tim Robinson FRAeS, is joined by Deputy Editor, Stephen Bridgewater FRAeS, to discuss some of the latest news and hot topics from across aviation, aerospace and space – including RIAT's move to Boscombe Down, easyJet opting for Starlink, the RAF's proposed firefighting efforts, Virgin Galactic's Apeiron unveiling and much more.
AEROSPACE NOTAM - November 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 …
Show notes
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 (November 2026) edition of the magazine.
NOTAM News 19 October 2026
Welcome to NOTAM News, a new podcast from the AEROSPACE team. Editor-in-Chief, Tim Robinson FRAeS, is joined by Deputy Editor, Stephen Bridgewater FRAeS, and Features Editor, Dominic Ward, to discuss some of …
Show notes
Welcome to NOTAM News, a new podcast from the AEROSPACE team.
Editor-in-Chief, Tim Robinson FRAeS, is joined by Deputy Editor, Stephen Bridgewater FRAeS, and Features Editor, Dominic Ward, to discuss some of the latest news and hot topics from across aviation, aerospace and space – including flydubai, Airbus' A350F, ClearSpace and much more.
AEROSPACE NOTAM - October 2026 - Specialist Group Insight
In this episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM Specialist Group Insight Seth Moffat, Chair of the Royal Aeronautical Society's Flight Operations Group (FOG) Specialist Group, is joined by Captain Steven Green FRAeS and …
Show notes
In this episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM Specialist Group Insight Seth Moffat, Chair of the Royal Aeronautical Society's Flight Operations Group (FOG) Specialist Group, is joined by Captain Steven Green FRAeS and Captain Thorsten Brandt FRAeS to discuss operational decision making. For more information on the Royal Aeronautical Society visit www.aerosociety.com
BAC 1-11 captain and Concorde test pilot and instructor– part three of an interview with Alan Smith
From water-ingestion and engine surge trials on Concorde 002 to flying eight of the ten Concordes built, Alan shares first-hand memories of the aircraft's flight test programme. He also recalls continuing to …
Show notes
From water-ingestion and engine surge trials on Concorde 002 to flying eight of the ten Concordes built, Alan shares first-hand memories of the aircraft's flight test programme. He also recalls continuing to fly and train customers on the BAC 1-11 throughout the Concorde programme, and training the first British Airways Concorde crews. His flying career ultimately spanned more than 50 years, 75 aircraft types and over 18,000 flying hours.
In 1973, Alan Smith joined the Concorde flight test programme at Fairford, where he spent much of the year repeatedly driving Concorde 002 through water troughs on the runway to assess engine behaviour during water-ingestion trials. The programme later moved to Casablanca. By the end of the year he had qualified as an MOD test pilot on the Canberra and made his first Concorde flight on the 002 with Brian Trubshaw.
In 1974 he flew the third British Concorde, G-BBDG ("Delta Golf"), for the first time with John Cochrane, describing the experience as "simply the greatest". Delta Golf became the aircraft he flew most often, including participating on a record-setting test flight that reached around Mach 2.21.
From 1976, Alan became a Senior Concorde training pilot, co-authoring the British Airways Concorde training syllabus with Paddy Cormican and training the first BA Concorde crews in Toulouse and Filton. Remarkably, he notes that he never received a formal Concorde conversion course himself, instead learning through experience as a test pilot.
Alongside the “simply inspirational” Concorde programme, he continued flying and training BAC 1-11 crews worldwide, contributed to further Concorde flight testing on intake lip development, trained CAA pilots on the Concorde simulator, and later supported the Panavia programme by flying staff between Warton and Munich.
After leaving British Aerospace in 1986, Alan held flying and management roles with Channel Express, Air Metro and Rolls-Royce. He retired from full-time flying in 1993, but soon returned with the CAA Calibration Unit and later Air Bristol after the airline pilot age limit was raised, finally retiring at 65 in 1998.
Over a flying career spanning more than 50 years, Alan logged around 18,000 flying hours on 75 aircraft types, including 30 years on the BAC 1-11 and 3,000 hours on the DC-3. Throughout the interview he reflects on the many distinguished pilots, engineers and colleagues he worked with, offering a fascinating insight into Britain's flight test and commercial aviation industries during the latter half of the twentieth century.
A transcript of the recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4193691
Alan Smith talked with Julian Temple, Heritage Archivist for BAE Systems Heritage, on 19 March 2024. The recording was edited for podcast by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS and is published by kind permission of BAE Systems for the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals'.
AEROSPACE NOTAM - October 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 …
Show notes
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 (October 2026) edition of the magazine.
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 …
Show notes
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.
After seeing no future projects in the 1970s Hawker Siddeley Aviation’s Military Future Projects office, Ian recalls his early research into laminar flow at Cranfield and how he rediscovered the phenomenon of attachment line contamination – work that attracted international interest and remains relevant today. He remembers presenting this research at his first major conference, where a lively debate with leading figures in aerodynamics sparked his enthusiasm for academia. He also recalls, during his PhD work, a memorable conversation with Sir Frank Whittle, as they drank tea while sitting on the floor of the Cranfield 8’x6’ wind tunnel.
After Cranfield, Ian spent a formative year at NASA Langley, conducting research on low-drag technologies and developing ideas with applications to the Space Shuttle, while building professional connections that opened up new opportunities and influenced his later career.
He went on to become Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Manchester, where he spent a decade helping to develop the department, before returning to Cranfield in 1995 to lead the College of Aeronautics through a period of major change, redevelopment and expansion.
He discusses the creation of Aerospace Cranfield Ltd and its X-48 blended-wing-body programme, and the creation of the National Flying Laboratory, which gives students the unique opportunity to experience an aircraft behaving badly.
At the turn of the millennium Ian highlighted the two opportunities that faced aviation – the inevitable rise of UAVs and the green agenda. He reflects on opportunities missed, including the potential for Cranfield to become a world centre for UAV research.
Ian concludes by discussing his involvement with the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Greener by Design initiative from its very early days, bringing engineers, academics and policymakers together to address the challenges of sustainable aviation, as well as his time as President of the Society. He explores the complex issue of contrails and expresses his frustration that more is not being done to implement solutions that are already achievable. He offers a positive, pragmatic message: “We don’t need miracle science to tell us what to do – it’s engineering.” For Ian, reducing aviation’s environmental impact is fundamentally an engineering, rather than a science, problem.
Ian reflects on a career he feels privileged to have had, from pioneering research to meeting leading figures in aviation and aerospace. Looking back, he feels fortunate to have been involved in work that mattered – and in things that will continue to matter in the future.
Prof Ian Poll ACM OBE FREng FCGI Hon FAIAA FRAeS was interviewed by Dr Kit Mitchell as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals.'' The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4193586
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 …
Show notes
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 MOSAIC regulations, Saab’s new CCA and NASA launching the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
#news #aviation #space #defence #airlink #southafrica #nasa #telescope #heart #saab #cca #generalaviation #mosaic #faa
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 …
Show notes
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 …
Show notes
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 being seconded to airlines across the world and being thrown into the test pilot’s seat in the BAC One-Eleven and, for the first time, in Concorde.
Alan explains how, despite his extensive military flying background, it took eight demanding months of rigorous examinations and additional flying experience to earn the coveted Airline Transport Pilot's Licence just before Christmas 1959.
Finding work then proved difficult, but after passing the DC-3 technical examination, he found a junior position with Jersey Airlines, where he quickly progressed to captain on the DC-3 and later the de Havilland Heron. He accumulated extensive commercial flying experience across the Channel Islands, France and southern England, logging more than 1,500 hours in the first year alone.
When Jersey Airlines was absorbed into British United Airways in 1968, the threat of redundancies and industrial disputes persuaded him to leave Jersey and seek new opportunities after eight years with the airline.
Alan wrote to around 70 airlines worldwide before a chance advertisement for a training pilot led him to joining the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC). After qualifying as a One-Eleven instructor and examiner and gaining experience with Autair, he embarked on a training role, instructing airline crews, delivering new aircraft and supporting customers around the world.
In 1969, as Concorde flight testing gathered pace at Fairford, BAC announced the closure of its Wisley site and redundancies. Alan boldly challenged the decision by writing to John Cochrane, Concorde’s Deputy Chief Test Pilot. The move paid off. After returning from a training assignment, he was transferred to Fairford to support Concorde operations. At the same time, he continued to earn his keep through airline training work, including a secondment with Court Line.
After expressing an interest in flying a Canberra bomber at Fairford, Alan was selected in 1973 for Ministry of Defence test pilot training. Later that year, he made his first flight in Concorde 002 alongside Brian Trubshaw - a pivotal moment that led to his future role as a Concorde test pilot and crowned a remarkable journey from RAF pilot and airline captain to the forefront of supersonic aviation.
Alan Smith talked with Julian Temple, Heritage Archivist for BAE Systems Heritage, on 19 July 2024. The recording was edited for podcast by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS and is published by kind permission of BAE Systems for the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals'.
A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4193384
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 …
Show notes
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 Professor at the University of Nottingham and inspiring the next generation of engineers and designers.
In this interview, Geoff shows how a childhood fascination with flying and making model aeroplanes evolved into a lifelong career at the forefront of aviation innovation. Beginning at Rolls-Royce in Derby in 1968, Geoff spent four decades working through a period of rapid technological change in aero-engine design, which continually demanded creativity and problem-solving.
Geoff discusses his contributions to several major civil aero-engine programmes, leading project design teams on the RB211-535E4 powering the Boeing 757, the V2500 for the Airbus A320 family, the Trent 500 for the Airbus A340-500/600, the Trent 900 for the Airbus A380, and the original Trent 1000 for the Boeing 787.
Kirk also reflects on how electronics transformed engine design and capability, and on the growing challenge of balancing fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and commercial viability under increasing environmental pressure. He considers the future of both long- and short-haul aviation, including the role of sustainable aviation fuels.
Looking back on his career, Geoff Kirk explains that engineering future products always involved anticipating the next step in technology. “I think about the future,” he jokes, “but the future is never entirely clear.” His advice to new engineers is not to try to predict everything: focus on building skills, stay adaptable, and concentrate on the next step rather than mapping out an entire career in advance.
Professor Geoffrey Kirk CEng FREng FRAeS was interviewed by Sir George Cox CRAeS for the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth'. The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4193329
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 …
Show notes
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 …
Show notes
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 Royal Aeronautical Society visit www.aerosociety.com
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 …
Show notes
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 …
Show notes
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 as an instructor, before giving a flavour of the roles and responsibilities he undertook as he moved up the ranks of the Royal Air Force. John’s determination, professionalism, and enduring passion for flying emerge as defining features of both his career and leadership.
Determined from an early age to become a pilot, he joined the Air Training Corps as a schoolboy, learned to glide, flew light aircraft independently, and earned a scholarship to RAF Cranwell, graduating in 1964 as best pilot in his entry and winner of the aerobatics prize.
He trained on the English Electric Lightning before serving on No. 5 Squadron at RAF Binbrook and later becoming an instructor at RAF Coltishall. An exchange posting with the US Air Force in Arizona during the Vietnam era led to his conversion to the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, which he describes as “the airplane of my life” because of its versatility and capability. Returning to the UK as a Squadron Leader, he commanded Phantom training at RAF Coningsby Operational Conversion Unit.
Increasingly aware that advancement required more than operational flying alone, he developed a career strategy that combined flying, instruction, and senior staff appointments. After Staff College, he progressed through a series of demanding but rewarding Cold War appointments including Station Commander at RAF Wildenrath, Director of Air Force Plans and Programmes, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Operational Requirements), and Air Officer Commanding No. 11 Group, responsible for UK air defence - “the best part of my career.” Despite his senior rank, he continued extensive operational flying, believing it was an essential part of leadership, and gained a combat rating on the Tornado.
He later became Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command, Commander-in-Chief of Logistics Command, and finally Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command in 1997 before retirement in 1999 - fulfilling the ambition of the boy who had once dreamed of flying aeroplanes.
While commanding No. 11 Group, he took the opportunity to fly with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight pursuing a lifelong passion for vintage aircraft. Alongside his RAF career, he developed a distinguished display flying career, including flying for the Shuttleworth Collection and The Fighter Collection at Duxford.
Throughout his interview, Sir John gives a vivid picture of flying many of the 116 aircraft in his logbook including the Lightning, Gnat, Hunter, Hawk, Phantom, Tornado, and range of vintage types including the Lancaster. He also retells the story of a particularly difficult Lightning landing at Le Bourget following what he candidly calls a “self-done” mistake.
Summing up his career, Sir John reflects on flying as both a profession and an art form. He speaks openly about carrying “a sliver of fear” into the cockpit, the importance of discipline and skill, and his belief that digitisation has diminished the artistry of modern flying. He describes aviation as “a great leveller,” where only ability matters, and advises aspiring pilots to pursue flying only for the genuine love of it.
ACM Sir John Allison KCB CBE was interviewed by Sir George Cox CRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth' to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: ACM Sir John Allison oral history interview | National Aerospace Library
Photo: Sir John Allison aged 23, first tour Lightning pilot on No 5 Squadron, RAF Binbrook
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 …
Show notes
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 …
Show notes
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 …
Show notes
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 …
Show notes
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 Library and the British Balloon and Airship Club, and is frequently consulted on obscure ballooning topics. His enthusiasm has also taken him around the world as part of balloon ground crews and promotional teams for BOAC and later British Airways.
Alongside this, John spent decades supporting air traffic control at the Farnborough Airshow (1986–2012). John describes memorable moments - from precision jet displays by French Air Force Alpha Jets to the sheer force of an Antonov’s jet blast sending tables, chairs, and a marquee tumbling across the runway.
John also recalls experiences with airships and coordinating balloon operations during the Farnborough Air Show. On one occasion, he flew in a small two-man airship from White Waltham to assist the police with traffic surveillance. On another occasion, he coordinated the early arrival of several balloons before the airfield officially opened which he recalls as his “good deed for the day”.
Reflecting on his long career in air traffic control, he highlights the importance of passion in air traffic control and fondly remembers the camaraderie of colleagues. “It was a joy to go to work every day,” he says, “because you never knew what was going to happen - and you were with friends.”
John Baker was interviewed by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4193180
Photo: John Baker flying his radio controlled model inside the Eisteddford Building at Llangollen.
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 …
Show notes
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 the Iran war on civil aviation
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 …
Show notes
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 time, John joined London Air Traffic Control Centre (LATCC) at West Drayton near Heathrow as an Air Traffic Control Assistant (ATCA) at just 17¾ years old, gaining valuable operational experience.
Shift work began on a repeating four-day cycle and when the shift system became even more complicated in 1973, John recalls his mother-in-law keeping a wall chart to track family members’ shifts to determine who would be home for meals.
His four years’ practical experience, together with gaining a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), was accepted as equivalent to A-level qualifications and enabled John to meet the entry requirements to train as an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO). He began the three-year ATCO training programme in 1974.
The three-year training course was intensive and wide-ranging, starting with visits to operational airfields at Guernsey and Bournemouth (Hurn) airports so trainees could speak directly with working pilots rather than rely solely on simulators. Tower training involved learning runway operations and local procedures. Specialist training in area, radar and approach control took place at other centres, including the LATCC, RAF Watton, and Prestwick Airport. At Prestwick, he recalls handling a Concorde, a Boeing 707, and a Piper Cherokee in the circuit at the same time.
After qualifying, John avoided a posting to Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands by claiming to have a fiancée, and he remained at West Drayton for most of his career. When the centre closed, operations moved to Swanwick near Southampton, where he continued until retiring in 2010.
John provides detailed insight into the realities of ATC work such as managing flight progress strips, using precise ATC shorthand and IATC codes to avoid misunderstandings, and maintaining strict communication discipline. He recalls incidents that illustrate the responsibility of the role, including questioning a pilot after fuel vapour was seen trailing from an aircraft and following an instinct to check on another pilot - an intervention he describes as his ‘good deed of the day’.
He emphasises the importance of teamwork in sharing responsibility and contrasts ATC’s intense but contained shift work, where you can leave the job behind at the end of a shift with the ongoing pressures of modern office work where it can be difficult to avoid emails.
Over his career, John witnessed major technological change as paper-based processes gradually gave way to electronic systems. Early on, a “Minicap” computer printed paper flight strips, but it was still switched off weekly so controllers could maintain their skills in writing strips by hand. It was later replaced by the more advanced IBM 9020 system. He also describes the introduction of transponders, which greatly improved flight planning and tracking.
Although he enjoyed earning his PPL, John realised he preferred the slower pace of ballooning to piloting powered aircraft. Part 2 of John’s interview will talk about his involvement with the British Balloon and Airship Club and the British Balloon Museum and Library. He also tells stories about his time working in ATC for the Farnborough Air Show.
John Baker was interviewed by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: John Baker oral history interview | National Aerospace Library
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 …
Show notes
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 …
Show notes
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 graduating from the University of Bristol in 1964, Roger began his distinguished career at Farnborough, first with the RAE and later as part of QinetiQ. He started in the Structures Department’s Dynamics Division before moving, ten years later, to the Airworthiness Division, where he played a leading role in ensuring the structural integrity and flight safety of UK military helicopters.
Roger’s helicopter work included providing expert guidance on the Westland Lynx and first-hand involvement in developing the BERP rotor (British Experimental Rotor Programme). He describes problem-solving as one of the most satisfying aspects of his career and highlights the strong partnerships he built with Westland. He also involved in assessing the safety of historic Army helicopters, where his careful judgement contributed to the Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to withdraw the Skeeter’s permit to fly.
Later in his career, after a brief period in the RAE’s Management Support Unit, Roger broadened his expertise to weapons systems, including work on the Matra-BAE Storm Shadow programme.
Looking back, Roger fondly recalls a memorable anecdote from his student years: a summer spent in the United States working with actor Buster Crabbe, famous for his roles as Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, and Tarzan.
Roger’s achievements have been recognised with numerous awards. He received the N E Rowe Medal from the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for a paper written while at university. Later, he was honoured with the RAeS Bronze Medal for outstanding contributions to flight safety, following a nomination by Westland, and the prestigious Wakefield Gold Medal.Roger Cansdale CEng FRAeS was interviewed by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: Roger Cansdale oral history interview | National Aerospace Library
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 …
Show notes
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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) Farnborough.
In 1975, Arthur joined the Engineering Physics (EP) Department as an Assistant Scientific Officer, doing experimental research into helicopter transmissions. When the department closed in the early 1980s, he moved , now a Scientific Officer, to the Flight Systems Department, completing EP projects before working on aircraft hydraulic systems. This involved real aircraft which had to be cleared for flight, but ended after a Hunter aircraft suffered an engine failure on take-off. Both pilots ejected safely, but the project was transferred to RAE Bedford leaving Arthur once again in search of a new post.
He described himself as being ‘hawked around’ the Weapons Department before settling in Attack Weapons, where he worked on anti-tank systems and again flight clearance on real aircraft. His practical approach earned promotion to Principal Scientific Officer and involvement in international missile programmes. Though he credited luck, his skills were clearly valued. Arthur saw the RAE as more a family than a workplace, and joining the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) put him on the path to Chartered Engineer despite the lack of a degree.
The CEng grew in importance as Farnborough became DRA, DERA, and finally QinetiQ, a period Arthur called a ‘Wild West’ of unclear strategy and scarce funds. After a disruptive split of staff between QinetiQ and DSTL, he chose QinetiQ, but the ensuing chaos left him feeling ‘crushed.’ He eventually moved to Aldermaston, where his weapons and aircraft clearance experience was valued.
He then spent five satisfying years in work he found genuinely useful, a period of redemption that let him retire without the frustration of leaving Farnborough.
Arthur’s interests included long-term involvement with the Air Cadets and research into Operation Chastise. What began as a paper supporting his RAeS application and pursuit of Chartered Engineer status eventually led to him serving as a technical advisor for a TV programme on the Dambusters.
Reflecting on his career, Arthur felt a university degree at 18 wouldn’t have suited him. The informal apprenticeship at the RAE, guided by colleagues who recognized his potential, worked far better for his development.
When asked about the biggest change he witnessed over his career, Arthur highlighted the shift in organisational culture. At the RAE, trials could fail without fuss, provided no one was harmed; by QinetiQ, the same incident would prompt a full inquiry. The RAE’s “suck-it-and-see” approach fostered risk-taking, allowing Technical Demonstrator Programmes to succeed through building and tinkering, often before fully understanding the systems.
Arthur has written an account of the various phases of his career but has still to finish the “messy” bit. He also enjoys writing aeronautical histories. His paper on the role of the RAE and the V1 was published in the RAeS’s Journal of Aeronautical History.
Arthur Kearse CEng FRAeS was interviewed by Roger Cansdale FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: Arthur Kearse oral history interview | National Aerospace Library
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 …
Show notes
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 …
Show notes
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 people working on the maintenance and restoration of classic aircraft.
As a pilot, John has flown an exceptional range of historic types, including the Lysander, Blenheim, B-17, B-25, Corsair, Me 109, Hurricane and numerous Spitfires.
Romain's renowned skills at display filming have taken him into major film productions, notably serving as Tom Cruise’s stunt pilot in Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning and contributing to Dunkirk.
John’s life story reflects one of modest beginnings, great endeavour and a dedication to preserving aviation heritage.
John Romain MBE was interviewed by Keith Cameron in 2025 as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.
A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-5eha4-19f1da8
The photograph of John Romain shows him sat in the Spitfire XI that he restored and first flew again in 2018. The aircraft, nicknamed “Eleven” and “L”, was named in honour of pioneering aviator Lettice Curtis. In 1948, Curtis famously flew the aircraft when she set the British women’s record for the fastest time over a 100-kilometre closed-circuit course, achieving a speed of 313.208 mph.
The National Aerospace Library holds the certificate for Lettice Curtis’s record-breaking flight, along with a rich collection of papers and photographs documenting her life and work. These include material relating to her service with the Air Transport Auxiliary, her logbooks, and her post-war aviation career.
You can find out more here: https://www.aerosociety.com/news/eleanor-lettice-curtis-a-british-aviation-pioneer
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