The Air Squadron is a flying club in the United Kingdom founded in 1966 by Peter Vanneck, the Hon. Hugh Astor and Anthony Cayzer - friends who shared a passionate interest in flying light aircraft. Prince Philip is the Squadron’s Air Commodore. Two of the earliest members were Second World War heroes Sir Douglas Bader and Hugh Dundas. Others included Sir Max Aitkin, Tommy Sopwith, Kenneth McAlpine and Lord Waterpark.
The Air Squadron comprises flights in several countries - including: Moscow, Jordan, Tanzania, USA, Pakistan, South Africa, Serbia.
The Squadron sponsors several awards, listed as follows by the awarding institution.
British Aerobatic Association:
- The Air Squadron Trophy.
Royal Air Force Air Cadets:
- The Air Squadron Trophy: Awarded annually to the Best RAF Section participating in the Ground Training Competition.
- The Sir John Thomson (RAF) Memorial Sword.
- The Geoffrey de Havilland Flying Foundation Medal for CCF Achievement.
South African Air Force
- The Air Squadron Sword of Honour is awarded every six months to the top officer cadet.
United States Air Force:
- The Air Squadron Millennium Sword of Friendship. The sword is kept in the Pentagon and awarded to the top Air Force cadet each year.
Famous quotes containing the words air and/or squadron:
“It’s a perfect night for mystery and horror. The air itself is filled with monsters.”
—William Hurlbut (1883–?)
“Well gentlemen, this is it. This is what we’ve been waiting for. Tonight your target is Tokyo. And you’re gonna play ‘em the Star Spangled Banner with two-ton bombs. All you’ve got to do is to remember what you’ve learned and follow your squadron leaders. They’ll get you in, and they’ll get you out. Any questions? All right that’s all. Good luck to you. Give ‘em hell.”
—Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)