During 2008 the Royal
Aeronautical Society plans to
introduce an Aeronautical
Heritage Award scheme to
recognise significant contributions
made to “the art and science of
aeronautics” within the United
Kingdom. The essence of the
scheme is to erect plaques
(subject to the necessary
permissions)
to commemorate significant
people, places and things. The intention is to celebrate British technological or operational achievements that made an original and unique contribution of World significance. The first plaques will be dedicated in 2008 and thereafter on an annual basis. The Society will accept nominations from any responsible source but we anticipate that the Society’s Branches will play an important role in canvassing and reviewing nominations.

 

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) established a similar scheme in 1999. Its scheme focuses on North America but in 2003 the AIAA presented one of its plaques to Farnborough (see picture).

 

English Heritage has already erected Blue Plaques to commemorate some British aeronautical pioneers, such as Sir George Cayley and R.J. Mitchell. The Society scheme will not seek to duplicate these and we will work in co-operation with English Heritage and other national heritage organisations.

Please click here for the form.