Royal Air Squadron Explained

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]

Light Aircraft Association

• 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.

South African Air Force

• The Air Squadron Sword of Honour is awarded every six months to the top officer cadet.

United States Air Force

• 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

• Royal Yacht Squadron
• Royal Automobile Club

External links

• Official website

Notes and References

1. Web site: Royal Air Squadron – A group of friends with a common interest in aviation . airsquadron.org . 2016-12-05.
2. Book: Martin, Alex . Far Horizons. A History of the Air Squadron . Bene Factum . 2009 . UK . 9781903071212 . 272.
3. http://ukinserbia.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/?view=News&id=6254251 British Embassy in Serbia
4. Web site: British Air Squadron flies to Ukraine to test wartime planes - YouTube . youtube.com . 2016-12-05.
5. http://www.aerobatics.org.uk/trophy_histories/air_squadron.htm British Aerobatic Association
6. Web site: About us . . 20 April 2024.
7. Web site: RAF Air Cadet Organization . aircadets.org. 2016-12-05.
8. http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123080976 Official website of the United States Air Force