Royal Air Squadron

The Royal Air Squadron (RAS) is a flying club in the United Kingdom founded in 1966 by Peter Vanneck, the Hon. Hugh Astor and Anthony Cayzer - friends who shared a passionate interest in flying light aircraft. Prince Philip is the Squadron’s Air Commodore. Two of the earliest members were Second World War heroes Sir Douglas Bader and Hugh Dundas. Others included Sir Max Aitkin, Tommy Sopwith, Kenneth McAlpine, John Houlder and Lord Waterpark.[1][2]

The Air Squadron Logo

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]

Royal Air Force Air Cadets:

  • The Air Squadron Trophy: Awarded annually to the Best RAF Section participating in the Ground Training Competition.[6]
  • 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.[7]

References
  1. "Royal Air Squadron – A group of friends with a common interest in aviation". airsquadron.org. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  2. Martin, Alex (2009). Far Horizons. A History of the Air Squadron. UK: Bene Factum. p. 272. ISBN 9781903071212.
  3. British Embassy in Serbia
  4. "British Air Squadron flies to Ukraine to test wartime planes - YouTube". youtube.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  5. British Aerobatic Association
  6. "RAF Air Cadet Organization". aircadets.org. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  7. Official website of the United States Air Force
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