Desmond Penrose honoured by HAA

Desmond Penrose, B.Sc F.R.Ae.S is the second recipient of the annual Darrol Stinton
trophy, awarded to recognise outstanding individual achievement in the operation and preservation of historic aircraft.

In 1961, he was invited by John Cunningham to resign his commission and join de Havillands as a development test pilot. He was involved as project test pilot for the D.H.110/22. Desmond was also a Shuttleworth Collection display pilot between 1964-2005

He has flown over 300 types and owned various aircraft, notably including 1932 Arrow Active, G-ABVE racing and aerobatic biplane. He came 2nd in the 1980 King’s Cup and owned this aircraft for 23 years. He also owned for 17 years the 1936 Percival Mew Gull, G-AEXF, (which was famously flown by Alex Henshaw).

The award was announced at the Hendon symposium, and accepted on his behalf by Dennis Neville . The actual trophy presentation to Desmond was made by HAA President Rick Peacock-Edwards, on the occasion of the HAA Council End-of -Year meeting and Dinner in early December.