MASTER – 01 JUNE 2015
ROYAL AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY AERONAUTICAL HERITAGE SCHEME AWARDS
In late 2007 the Royal Aeronautical Society launched its Aeronautical Heritage Awards scheme as
part of the 2008 celebration of the Centenary of British Aviation. The Awards commemorate people,
places or things that have made contributions of world-class significance to the art and science of
aeronautics. All aspects of aviation, both technological and operational, are eligible. The Awards are
recognised by placing bronze plaques in a public place that is appropriate to the achievement being
commemorated. (An example of a Presidential Nomination is shown below.)
The Society originally conceived such a scheme in 1959, but it was not implemented, leaving much
aeronautical heritage without suitable memorials. For example, out of some 800 Heritage Blue
Plaques around the UK, less than 20 are aviation related. Although initially launched within the United
Kingdom the Scheme is now operational worldwide.
The Society seeks to co-operate with other organisations involved in aeronautical heritage and will
accept nominations from any responsible source and in particular, the Society’s Divisions, Branches
and Corporate Partners who can play an important role in canvassing nominations. Nomination
forms are on the Society’s web site: http://aerosociety.com/About-Us/medalsawards/heritageawards
or can be obtained from Society’s Headquarters (see contacts below). The cost of the plaques will, in
the main, be met by sponsorship arranged at a local level by those submitting the nominations. There
is an arrangement to enable Presidential Nominations to be processed; funding for such awards can
be met by the Society.
Under the governance of the RAeS, The Aeronautical Heritage Awards Steering Group is responsible
for policy and process, and the Aeronautical Heritage Awards Scrutiny Committee is responsible for
scrutinising nominations and recommending awards. The Scrutiny Committee comprises a broad
cross-section of heritage experts from the Society’s Specialist Groups and other relevant
organisations.
RAeS Staff Member: Mr Tim Caines, Tel: +44 (0) 207 670 4312 tim.caines@aerosociety.com