Mil Pilots honoured by GAPAN

[Senior Pilot]

Mil aircrew were honoured by the The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (http://www.gapan.org) at a ceremony held at the Mansion House in London on Wednesday night.




The new Liverymen of the Guild:

Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Tudor Owen, Sir Stephen Dalton
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Judge Tudor Owen and Sir Stephen Dalton Chief of the Air Staff
Honourable Company of Air Pilots

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Capt Al Pinner former RAF Sqn Ldr
Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Tudor Owen, Sir Stephen Dalton

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Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Tudor Owen, Sir Stephen Dalton


Master Air Pilot certificates were awarded to:

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Lt Cdr Chris Wrighton


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Flt Lt James Iain Harris


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Lt Cdr Adrian Hands


Master Air Navigator certificate to:

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Sqn Ldr Rodney Rundle Burges


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Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Tudor Owen, Sir Stephen Dalton


Following the ceremony, the new Liverymen, Master Air Pilots and Master Air Navigator were announced at the Livery Dinner attended by HRH The Duke of York and the Lord Mayor of London.
Honourable Company of Air Pilots
Mansion House London

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/Rotorheads/1536m171F402copy.jpg
Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Tudor Owen, Sir Stephen Dalton

In his Master's speech, His Honour Judge Tudor Owen FRAeS (aka Flying Lawyer) said Britain can be justifiably proud of its achievements in both military and civil aviation.

Three years ago, we marked the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. This year, we mark the 70th Anniversary of the 'Dambusters’ raid by 617 Squadron.
Air power is as important today as it ever was. It isn’t an optional luxury; it is a defining capability.
We are proud to have many former and current members of the Royal Air Force, the Fleet Air Arm and the Army Air Corps in our Company and proud to have close and active affiliations with Units in each – some of which are represented here this evening.
Just as we remember with pride the bravery and skill of our pilots, navigators and crewmen 70 or so years ago, we salute the bravery and skill of our fellow pilots and other flight crew in today’s armed services.

That produced one of the loudest rounds of applause of the evening. :ok:

Another was when he called upon the UK government to take urgent action now to ensure that the UK maintains a major hub airport and stems the flow to alternative hubs on the continent and elsewhere:

Commercial aviation is another British success story.
Our aviation networks must have the capacity to serve both existing and emerging markets. Our competitors understand this and did something about it while the UK talked about it. The UK is still talking about it!

At the moment, I am able to speak proudly of Britain’s past and present aviation achievements.
I hope that in 30, 40, 50 or more years’ time my successors as Master won’t be reduced to reminiscing about ‘the good old days’ of British aviation, and rueing what might have been.


Full Speech (https://www.gapan.org/file/1129/livery-dinner-speech-29-may-2013.pdf)



Note: The Guild became the Honourable Company of Air Pilots in February 2014.

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

My heartiest congrats to all, especially Rodney Burges, as he was the nav who used to feed me bananas in the front cockpit when "the stick monkey did good!"

Fox3ThanksForTheBanana !

[Hueymeister]

Bomber..you played an excellent piano on the steps of CHOM......117 IOT 1989!

[comedyjock]

Congratulations Lt Cdr Wrighton. There are very few RN crews not been subjected to Malfunction training at some point from him. He would always find a way to make you finish no matter what you did!

[jpresc25]

Many congratulations to 'Budgie' Burgess - richly deserved recognition for a thoroughly professional and dedicated aviator. He taught me the skills, and more importantly the 'ethos' of being an Air Defender, starting at Nav School. He was just as dedicated years later running the F3 Simulator at Leeming. A massive contribution to military aviation, by investing his time and experience in the individual. All the best dear boy.

[Wander00]

Very many congratulations to the deserving recipients of awards - but somewhat amused by the gymnastics dictated by the width of the table - could they arrange a layout that allows for slightly more dignified presentation and handshake.

[Heathrow Harry]

Need a proper Spec for the length of arms of the guy in the Harry Potter outfit

[Flying Lawyer]

the gymnastics dictated by the width of the table
I thought that when I arrived at Mansion House. :uhoh:


FL (the guy in the Harry Potter outfit) :)

[Wander00]

Well, Master, all I can suggest is that WE must have longer arms. Hopefully a good night was had by all.

[Heathrow Harry]

Can I ask a question?

Why the robes????

I can (almost) see the point of traditional dress for the Candlestick makers etc etc who were formed in pre Tudor times but GAPAN was founded in 1929

Surely "traditional dress" should be plus fours and a big cap??????????

[Cornerstone958]

Surely "traditional dress" should be plus fours and a big cap??????????
Don't forget the Leather Gloves & Goggles!:D
CS

[Nicholas Howard]

Congratulations to both Chris and Fingers. I had the pleasure of serving with them both; Chris at Portland and Fingers at Prestwick. Two professional aviators and thoroughly good blokes, they are a credit to the Fleet Air Arm

Nick

[Heathrow Harry]

"Don't forget the Leather Gloves & Goggles!"

yes - with cavalry trousers and maybe even puttees

and a Pith Helmet for summer occasions....................

[skua]

HH
You are overlooking the fact that for GAPAN, these are still v much Tudor times!!

[Wander00]

Skua - That is VERY good.

[Gericault]

Pin, congrats! Love the Capt bit too :D

[Flying Lawyer]

skua
Very good. :) :ok:

Heathrow HarryWhy the robes???? Tradition.
In the early 14th century members began wearing distinctive clothing which identified their trade associations/guilds - a 'livery'. The practice extended and gradually led to them being known as Livery Companies. The custom has continued unbroken to this day. All companies have livery robes, including the newest which became the 108th Livery Company in 2008.
The robes are worn by members of the executive committee on ceremonial occasions and by new Liverymen when they are formally 'clothed' in the livery of their Company.


Some current and former service personnel:


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Sqn Ldr Sally Varley and Gp Captain Richard Allen


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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v146/FlyingLawyer/1536m171F334copy_zps0af3d621.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v146/FlyingLawyer/1536m171F308copy_zpscb1c436a.jpg


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Douglas Radcliffe MBE, Lady Dalton, Air Cdre Malcolm White


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Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Tudor Owen

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Sir Patrick 'Paddy' Hine (former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff),
Judge Tudor Owen (Master) The Duke of York
Honourable Company of Air Pilots

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Air Chief Marshall Sir Peter Squire (Chief of the Air Staff 2000-2003)
Judge Tudor Owen (Master) Air Marshall Cliff Spink (Immediate Past Master)


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Gp Capt Roger Gault




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Douglas Radcliffe MBE, Bomber Command veteran, meeting the Duke of York
Doug, who flew as a wireless operator on the Lancaster, has been Secretary of the Bomber Command Association for 30 years. He will be 90 in November.
Air Cdre Malcolm White OBE, Chairman of the Association, on the right.

Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Tudor Owen, Sir Stephen Dalton


The Guild became the Honourable Company of Air Pilots in February 2014.

[Megaton]

As requested, I'll kick off. Picture 1 is Sqn Ldr Sally "Manic" Varley, former Manager of RAFAT. There are plenty of pictures of Sally online so I don't think I'm compromising any personal details here.

[teeteringhead]

As requested, I'll kick off. Picture 1 is Sqn Ldr Sally "Manic" Varley, former Manager of RAFAT That's her on the left presumably? ;)

[Heathrow Harry]

Uniforms - definitely

Black tie - maybe

But ROBES? Just so you can ape the Fishmongers etc............ weird, very , very weird

bit like personalised number plates IMHO :uhoh::uhoh:

[Roland Pulfrew]

HH

Really??

Just so you can ape the Fishmongers etc............ weird, very , very weird


Bit of a difference between the Fishmongers and GAPAN. What price tradition??

http://www.fishhall.org.uk/PageFiles/121/DanielArnold2010a.jpg

[BEagle]

Well, I'd love to be a fly on the wall if you ever came up before the Beak, HH:

"Prisoner in the dock, do you have anything to say?"

"Yeah, like your robes. Weird, bruv. Like very, very weird $hit. Innit"

"You shall be taken to the place from whence you came......:\"

When one is furred up in that heavyweight pussy pelt, I can assure you that it is extremely hot!

[A2QFI]

Those depicted are nothing to do with the Fishmongers Guild SFAIK. They are Thames Watermen who race for a trophy called "The Doggett's Coat and Badge" and they are wearing the riverman's livery
Doggett's Coat and Badge - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doggett's_Coat_and_Badge)

[Flying Lawyer]

HHBut ROBES? Just so you can ape the Fishmongers etc............ weird, very , very weird No. That is not what I said, nor is it the reason.
By long established tradition, all livery companies, from the most ancient to the newest, have robes.
If we were the sole exception, that would be "weird, very, very weird."

FL

[Heathrow Harry]

it might show that you were forward looking as befits the aerospace industry................ :confused:

[Flying Lawyer]

In our experience, individuals and bodies we seek to influence are more interested in what we say rather than what we wear on ceremonial occasions.

Our most recent published position paper: UK AIRPORT POLICY May 2013 (https://www.gapan.org/file/1103/uk-airport-policy-final.pdf)

[teeteringhead]

Even the Management Consultants (formed 1999?) have Livery. (and there are three more junior to them)

http://www.wcomc.org/sites/default/files/kcfinder/images/ClothingoftheCOmpany.jpg

it might show that you were forward looking

Forward looking?? Would DJs be forward looking? Mess Kit??

Should the Master do his day job in jeans and a Tee-shirt?

Don't judge a book by its cover Heathrow Harry

Teeters (Liveryman!)

[Wander00]

Flying Lawyer - stick with the robes! (imho!)

[Union Jack]

By long established tradition, all livery companies, from the most ancient to the newest, have robes.
If we were the sole exception, that would be "weird, very, very weird." - FL

In our experience, individuals and bodies we seek to influence are more interested in what we say rather than what we wear on ceremonial occasions. - FL

FL - Very well said on both counts!:ok:

Bit like personalised number plates - HH

HH - I somehow can't help feeling that you're starting to sound very evenly balanced .... shoulderwise:rolleyes:

Jack

[Heathrow Harry]

Mess Dress and uniform are at least part of the 20th Century

Sorry gentlemen - I was never into fancy dress myself - just seems strange to me to ape all these ancient societies.

you KNOW they are quietly laughing up the sleeves of their 300 year old robes at a bunch of Johnny-come-lately's - I mean 1929!!!!

but you're not doing any harm and it keeps you off the streets and giving some of us a chance to smile

[Roland Pulfrew]

Mess Dress and uniform are at least part of the 20th Century

Really? Has anyone told the army and the navy?

1929

You mean only 11 years after the formation of the RAF?

Methinks you do not understand the Guilds and the Honourable Companies, but then again, why am I not surprised.:rolleyes:

[Senior Pilot]

Mess Dress and uniform are at least part of the 20th Century

And here we are in the 21st Century with all those peculiar uniforms being worn day in and day out by the very people that you try to denigrate with your trolling. :hmm:

Sorry gentlemen - I was never into fancy dress myself - just seems strange to me to ape all these ancient societies.

you KNOW they are quietly laughing up the sleeves of their 300 year old robes at a bunch of Johnny-come-lately's - I mean 1929!!!!

but you're not doing any harm and it keeps you off the streets and giving some of us a chance to smile

At least others can rest assured that we will carry on advancing aviation around the world, where authorities recognise the valued input of the Guild :ok:

(yet another Liveryman privileged to be allowed to wear the robes)

[Heathrow Harry]

not trolling - asking a reasonable question -

just surprised and amazed at how upset some people are getting

for the avoidance of doubt I'm not against traditional wear (eg Warders at the Tower, Chelsea pensioners, Fishmongers etc etc) from the period when your organisation was formed - it is a valued part of our very rich cultural heritage

But to adopt wear from several hundred years before you were founded???

My Aunt remembers 1929 for heavens sake - hardly yesterday but certainly not the 17th Century

[KG86]

Never mind the dress, I think the title of the Guild belongs to an earlier era as well.

There are no navigators in civil aviation, nor any in non-RAF services. Even in the RAF they are 'withering on the vine'.

So, is it to be the Guild of Air Pilots and WSOs, or just Guild of Air Pilots?

[Roland Pulfrew]

Never mind the dress, I think the title of the Guild belongs to an earlier era as well.

There are no navigators in civil aviation, nor any in non-RAF services. Even in the RAF they are 'withering on the vine'.

So, is it to be the Guild of Air Pilots and WSOs, or just Guild of Air Pilots?

You can be assured that the Guild is debating that as we speak.

[Wander00]

Maybe the "Guild of Air Pilots, Former Navigators and Drone Operators". I am not a member of the Guild, but IMHO there has been a raft of absolute drivel about not having robes, name changes - what is important is the work, professional and charitable, done by the Guild - long may it continue, and for my money (which is not involved) keep the robes

[Duncan D'Sorderlee]

So, if GAPAN becomes GAP, what happens to the members who were previously N? Are they ritually sacrificed; robes and all?

And will they be sued by GAP?

Duncs:ok:

[Heathrow Harry]

Someone once defined a "Guild" as a cartel of workers who were too snobby to join a union..........

However I am sure there is a place for GAPAN or whatever it wants to change it's name too - even I understand that it's not (just) an excuse for large dinners

Someone has to represent the workers & toilers in any industry - otherwise we'd be run by totally uninformed politicians, civil servants and people like the Blessed O'Leary :{:{

[BEagle]

HH, before your ignorance and prejudice embarrasses you further, perhaps you might care to look at About the Guild - GAPAN (http://www.gapan.org/about-the-guild/) ?

[Heathrow Harry]

That I know and believe they do a great job

My question was to do with the robes - that's all!!!

"(GAPAN) is concerned with every technical aspect of flying from safety to navigational aids, from airport facilities to training methods and in particular with new developments in aircraft and their handling."

That is precisely why they don't need to dress up like Harry Potter IMHO

Anyway those who like robes & swords are never going to see the light and I wouldn't want to spoil their fun so let's leave it where it is ...............

[teeteringhead]

Anyway those who like robes & swords

RAF - formed 1918 - wear swords.

AAC - formed 1955 - wear spurs.

Discuss

[Union Jack]

Anyway those who like robes & swords are never going to see the light and I wouldn't want to spoil their fun so let's leave it where it is ............... - HH

RAF - formed 1918 - wear swords.

AAC - formed 1955 - wear spurs.

Discuss - Teeters

I recall with some amusement the British Defence Attache leaving my ship after a reception whilst alongside in Antwerp who, on discovering that the brow (aka gangplank) was now extremely steep, bent down and released his spurs. He then clumped off up the brow, digging in his spurs with every step, and calling back, "I've been waiting nearly 30 years to wear these in action!"

So not just for decoration .....:ok:

Jack

[BEagle]

A bit risky bending down on one of HM's war canoes, I would have thought...:ooh:

[Wander00]

Master (and I am not a Member) but have you seen this thread and can GAPAN make some sort of award?

http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/517376-growing-up-helicopter.html

[ralphmalph]

Quote:
Anyway those who like robes & swords
RAF - formed 1918 - wear swords.

AAC - formed 1955 - wear spurs.

Discuss



Discuss what exactly?....or can you not google?

BTW...The AAC wear swords as well.

[Duncan D'Sorderlee]

Wander00,

Good call!

Duncs:ok:

[Wander00]

Thanks - have e-mailed the Flying Lawyer. More support on the thread or otherwise would be good. These women are outstandingly courageous.

[Duncan D'Sorderlee]

Wander00,

Another good call. I emailed GAPAN - just in case they were unaware!

Duncs:ok:

[skua]

Given that the next Master will be a Mistress, so to speak, I think there will some forceful opinions expressed about Latifa being recognised!