The 2012 Historic Aircraft Association Symposium at Hendon lived up to the reputation of previous years with an excellent line-up of speakers, headed by Falklands "Operation Blackbuck" Vulcan pilot Martin Whithers.
In addition to the speakers, a number of key announcements were made regarding the future of the HAA. Rick Peacock-Edwards announced he is standing down as Chairman, to take over as President from Cliff Spink. Wally Epton, who took over from R.P-E for his second tenure as Chairman, made some interesting observations on future dialogue with the CAA. Look out for his comments on the HAA website www.haa-uk.aero
The first speaker was Sqn Ldr Nick Goodwyn, who gave a fascinating presentation on 100 years of the RAF Central Flying School, with insights on everything from the BE-2 to the forthcoming F-35 Lightning II. He was followed by Bill Croydon took us back in time to the pioneer era, when the "Early Birds" made the Isle of Sheppy in Kent, the centre of British aviation at the start of the last Century.
The final speaker before the lunch interval was Andrew Dawrant of the Royal Aero Club who gave a brief insight on the Trust Collection, some items of which were displayed for members in the RAF Museum Gallery during the lunch interval. Following some disppoinment with the RAF Museum’s regular caterers in the past, this year additional sponsorship allowed outside caterers "Lifestyle Catering" to be brought in with excellent results!
Among the sponsors, which included the Aircraft Restoration Company and Vintage Engine Technology; Cranfield Aerospace and Hawker Beechcraft both had eye-catching displays in the Museum gallery. Following the intermission David Keen, historian at the RAF Museum, reflected on the creation of the Royal Flying Corps, before a short perioid film shot 50 years ago on the DH125, then one of the world’s first executive jets, preceded the Symposium’s star speaker.
Current Vulcan display pilot and former Falklands "Blackbuck" veteran Martin Withers gave a fascinating insight
into the 1982 raid on Port Stanley, backed by some fantastic images. The RAF Museum Auditorium’s big screen gave a new dimension to photographs including a Vulcan’s-eye view of one of the 11 Victor tankers that enabled the raid to succeed and a unique shot of ‘Vulcan 607’ heading back to Ascension Island.
Feedback from members and guests has been most favourable, and the bar has been set very high for 2013!