AeroSociety Podcast

Capt Marnie Munns is working within easyJet to change the perception of commercial flying as a 'male only' role. In 2015 easyJet launched the Amy Johnson Flying Initiative with the aim of doubling the number of female new entrant pilots to 12% over two years. The initiative was really successful with over 600 applicants and so easyJet was able to achieve the 12% target in year one - recruiting 33 female new entrant pilots.

The one time USAF and NASA Test Pilot discusses the workings of the ultimate rocket plane, the X15, as well as his work on the X20 Dynasoar F104, F100 and T38 programmes. The interview took place in 1979 and was conducted by Rodney Giesler and edited by Mike Stanberry.

The one time USAF and Convair/General Aviation Test Pilot discusses the confusion caused when the F86 created the first sonic booms, the development of the XF91 and the flight trials and characteristics of the X1, F100, F102, F102A, F106 and B58. He also describes the trials on high angle of attack approaches and compares the 707 to the XF92. The interview took place in 1979 and was conducted by Rodney Giesler and edited by Mike Stanberry.

The one time North American Aviation Test Pilot discusses his career World War II P51 pilot, before discussing his work as principle pilot on the XB70 Valkyrie Mach 3 bomber. Also discusses the F100 and F107 programmes. The interview took place in 1979 and was conducted by Rodney Giesler and edited by Mike Stanberry.

In 2012, Greg founded OneWeb with the mission of enabling Internet access for everyone. Setting a goal of connecting every unconnected school in the world by 2022, he built a team and designed a satellite constellation to achieve that vision. Greg discusses the development of the OneWeb constellation and the mission of bridging the digital divide.

Carolyn McCall delivered the inaugural Amy Johnson lecture on Women in Aviation from the perspective of the Chief Executive of the UK’s largest airline. Carolyn talks about the history of women in aviation and discuss's easyJet’s ambition to become Europe’s preferred airline. She reveals the lessons that she, and the airline, have learnt in the year since she joined easyJet and offer her views on delivering business success in the face of challenging external factors.

This lecture recognises the background and distinguished work of Frederick William Lanchester, and notes that Dr John E Lamar’s background has similarities with his, especially parts of his research in aeronautics and vortices.

The RAF is busier than ever on operations around the world. At the same time, the RAF is planned to increase significantly its front-line capability, as a result of the SDSR in 2015. Against this backdrop, in his first lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society since taking command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff, discussed the challenges, risks and opportunities which he faces in growing the future RAF.

The lecture was held in 2006 and includes John Fairey of Fairey Aviation, Harold Colliver, Fairey’s project designer, Norman Parker, Fairey Ground Crew and Peter Twiss, Fairey’s Test Pilot and the man who broke the record. This lecture was digitised by Mike Stanberry MRAeS.

On November 8th, 2015 Donatella Ricci achieved the new world gyroplane altitude record reaching 27,556 feet with a Magni Gyro M16. This lecture brings together all the lessons Donatella learned along the nine month journey to achieve such a record.

We are facing the most significant change in how we travel since the introduction of low-cost carriers in the market. Traditionally passengers struggle to the airport with their luggage which they only get to off-load it at check-in. Low-cost carriers brought in the model of ‘pay extra’ for most things including luggage that is be checked-in. In response, we have seen many Airlines starting to sell cabin bags only tickets. This is driving passengers to carry as much cabin baggage as the size /weight limits allow. Airports are experiencing boarding and ultimately departure delays due to passengers being unable to fit all their cabin baggage in the cabin. For the passenger, it’s a fight! Get to the front of the boarding queue to make sure you keep your bags with you or pay extra to check your bags in and run the risk of having to wait to collect it at your destination. In response to these challenges, some companies are developing services that collect your bags before you get to the terminal relieving the passenger of the stress involved with travelling with bags. The aim of this debate is to explore some of the emerging options around passenger baggage issues i.e does the passenger carry the bag or someone else?

AM Julian Young FRAeS, Air Member for Materiel and Chief of Material, DE&S, delivers the Society's 2016 Sopwith Named Lecture.

In this lecture Stephen will broach the very sensitive topic of pilot suicide by looking at historical evidence and whether “pilot suicide” is distinct from “suicide” within the general population. He will give consideration to the potential causes of pilot suicide and further consider some of the reasons underlying it. He will also consider what can be done to improve current support systems, how to identify pilots at risk and other ways of preventing another serious incident. Finally, Steve will consider airline “pilot suicide” statistics and will put the actual incidences into perspective.

This lecture honours the passing of Harold Caplan, the founder member of the Royal Aeronautical Society's Air Law Group.

Much has been written and said over the past 12 months about open skies, state ownership of airlines, subsidies and support, and the impact of Gulf carrier competition on the US and European aviation markets. The discussion kicked-off in the US in January 2015 with the US legacy carrier white paper accusing the three Gulf carriers of unfair state subsidies, and then has expanded into subway billboards, celebrity advertisements and a multi-department public consultation process and is now colouring some of the discussion on a new international aviation strategy for the EU. Rick will provide an Emirates perspective on open skies and competition and look at some of the factual and legal arguments underpinning the ongoing debate.