During 2008 the Royal Aeronautical Society introduced 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 Society will accept nominations from any responsible source but we anticipate that the Society’s Branches will play an important role in canvassing nominations.

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

The Royal Aeronautical Society Heritage Plaque was unveiled by David Rowland, at the Society Garden Party on 6^th June 2008, to recognise the importance of the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden.

Since then several other Plaque have been awarded and placed at important sites in the history of British Aviation, the latest being at Muswell (or Mussell) Manor, the location of the world’s first aeroplane factory.

If you are thinking of nominating, start by downloading the nomination form here.

If you have any questions about the scheme, or would like help with a nomination, please email Sam Phillips at sam.phillips@aerosociety.com.