Determined to become an airline pilot after leaving the RAF in 1959, Alan Smith takes us through his tough self-financed route to his Airline Transport Pilot’s licence before breaking into the airlines, flying the DC-3, the Heron and the BAC One-Eleven in his time in Jersey Airline and on the flying staff at BAC. As well as training outside pilots on the One-Eleven, Smith also tells stories of being seconded to airlines across the world and being thrown into the test pilot’s seat in the BAC One-Eleven and, for the first time, in Concorde.

Alan explains how, despite his extensive military flying background, it took eight demanding months of rigorous examinations and additional flying experience to earn the coveted Airline Transport Pilot's Licence just before Christmas 1959.

Finding work then proved difficult, but after passing the DC-3 technical examination, he found a junior position with Jersey Airlines, where he quickly progressed to captain on the DC-3 and later the de Havilland Heron. He accumulated extensive commercial flying experience across the Channel Islands, France and southern England, logging more than 1,500 hours in the first year alone.

When Jersey Airlines was absorbed into British United Airways in 1968, the threat of redundancies and industrial disputes persuaded him to leave Jersey and seek new opportunities after eight years with the airline.

Alan wrote to around 70 airlines worldwide before a chance advertisement for a training pilot led him to joining the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC). After qualifying as a One-Eleven instructor and examiner and gaining experience with Autair, he embarked on a training role, instructing airline crews, delivering new aircraft and supporting customers around the world.

In 1969, as Concorde flight testing gathered pace at Fairford, BAC announced the closure of its Wisley site and redundancies. Alan boldly challenged the decision by writing to John Cochrane, Concorde’s Deputy Chief Test Pilot. The move paid off. After returning from a training assignment, he was transferred to Fairford to support Concorde operations. At the same time, he continued to earn his keep through airline training work, including a secondment with Court Line.

After expressing an interest in flying a Canberra bomber at Fairford, Alan was selected in 1973 for Ministry of Defence test pilot training. Later that year, he made his first flight in Concorde 002 alongside Brian Trubshaw - a pivotal moment that led to his future role as a Concorde test pilot and crowned a remarkable journey from RAF pilot and airline captain to the forefront of supersonic aviation.

Alan Smith talked with Julian Temple, Heritage Archivist for BAE Systems Heritage, on 19 March 2024. The recording was edited for podcast by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS and is published by kind permission of BAE Systems for the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals'.

A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4193384

From resolving problems with the RB211 fitted on the TriStar to persuading Airbus that the Trent 500 was what they needed for the A340, Professor Geoffrey Kirk led many of the design teams that kept Roll-Royce’s engines powering civil airliners from the 1960s to the 2000s. After retiring as Chief Designer of Civil Engines at Rolls-Royce in 2007, he has turned to education, becoming an Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham and inspiring the next generation of engineers and designers.

In this interview, Geoff shows how a childhood fascination with flying and making model aeroplanes evolved into a lifelong career at the forefront of aviation innovation. Beginning at Rolls-Royce in Derby in 1968, Geoff spent four decades working through a period of rapid technological change in aero-engine design, which continually demanded creativity and problem-solving.

Geoff discusses his contributions to several major civil aero-engine programmes, leading project design teams on the RB211-535E4 powering the Boeing 757, the V2500 for the Airbus A320 family, the Trent 500 for the Airbus A340-500/600, the Trent 900 for the Airbus A380, and the original Trent 1000 for the Boeing 787.

Kirk also reflects on how electronics transformed engine design and capability, and on the growing challenge of balancing fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and commercial viability under increasing environmental pressure. He considers the future of both long- and short-haul aviation, including the role of sustainable aviation fuels.

Looking back on his career, Geoff Kirk explains that engineering future products always involved anticipating the next step in technology. “I think about the future,” he jokes, “but the future is never entirely clear.” His advice to new engineers is not to try to predict everything: focus on building skills, stay adaptable, and concentrate on the next step rather than mapping out an entire career in advance.

Professor Geoffrey Kirk CEng FREng FRAeS was interviewed by Sir George Cox CRAeS for the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth'. The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.

A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4193329

In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (July 2026) edition of the magazine.

In this episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM Specialist Group Insight, Seth Moffat of the Royal Aeronautical Society Flight Operations Group (FOG) Specialist Group talks to Capt Ron Karo about post-aviation accident assistance from the human standpoint. When a serious accident occurs - how do airlines provide support for friends and families with emergency response planning? For more information on the Royal Aeronautical Society visit www.aerosociety.com

In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (June 2026) edition of the magazine.

From a childhood obsession with flying, Sir John Allison built a remarkable RAF career spanning 1961 to 1999, rising from pilot cadet to Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command. Throughout his interview, Sir John reflects on flying many of the 116 aircraft types recorded in his logbook. He explores his early career flying Lightnings, working with the US Air Force operating the Phantom II and serving as an instructor, before giving a flavour of the roles and responsibilities he undertook as he moved up the ranks of the Royal Air Force. John’s determination, professionalism, and enduring passion for flying emerge as defining features of both his career and leadership.

Determined from an early age to become a pilot, he joined the Air Training Corps as a schoolboy, learned to glide, flew light aircraft independently, and earned a scholarship to RAF Cranwell, graduating in 1964 as best pilot in his entry and winner of the aerobatics prize.

He trained on the English Electric Lightning before serving on No. 5 Squadron at RAF Binbrook and later becoming an instructor at RAF Coltishall. An exchange posting with the US Air Force in Arizona during the Vietnam era led to his conversion to the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, which he describes as “the airplane of my life” because of its versatility and capability. Returning to the UK as a Squadron Leader, he commanded Phantom training at RAF Coningsby Operational Conversion Unit.

Increasingly aware that advancement required more than operational flying alone, he developed a career strategy that combined flying, instruction, and senior staff appointments. After Staff College, he progressed through a series of demanding but rewarding Cold War appointments including Station Commander at RAF Wildenrath, Director of Air Force Plans and Programmes, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Operational Requirements), and Air Officer Commanding No. 11 Group, responsible for UK air defence - “the best part of my career.” Despite his senior rank, he continued extensive operational flying, believing it was an essential part of leadership, and gained a combat rating on the Tornado.

He later became Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command, Commander-in-Chief of Logistics Command, and finally Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command in 1997 before retirement in 1999 - fulfilling the ambition of the boy who had once dreamed of flying aeroplanes.

While commanding No. 11 Group, he took the opportunity to fly with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight pursuing a lifelong passion for vintage aircraft. Alongside his RAF career, he developed a distinguished display flying career, including flying for the Shuttleworth Collection and The Fighter Collection at Duxford.

Throughout his interview, Sir John gives a vivid picture of flying many of the 116 aircraft in his logbook including the Lightning, Gnat, Hunter, Hawk, Phantom, Tornado, and range of vintage types including the Lancaster. He also retells the story of a particularly difficult Lightning landing at Le Bourget following what he candidly calls a “self-done” mistake.

Summing up his career, Sir John reflects on flying as both a profession and an art form. He speaks openly about carrying “a sliver of fear” into the cockpit, the importance of discipline and skill, and his belief that digitisation has diminished the artistry of modern flying. He describes aviation as “a great leveller,” where only ability matters, and advises aspiring pilots to pursue flying only for the genuine love of it.

ACM Sir John Allison KCB CBE was interviewed by Sir George Cox CRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth' to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.

A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: ACM Sir John Allison oral history interview | National Aerospace Library

Photo: Sir John Allison aged 23, first tour Lightning pilot on No 5 Squadron, RAF Binbrook

In this special episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM podcast, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson FRAeS chats to new Royal Aeronautical Society President 2026-27, Professor Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS about his upcoming Presidential themes, why space is so important to us all - plus he picks his favourite science fiction film.

In this special episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM podcast, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson FRAeS chats to Royal Aeronautical Society President 2025-26, Dr Alisdair Wood FRAeS about his Presidential year, his favourite moments and why he is passionate about the 'art' of aeronautics. www.aerosociety.com

In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (May 2026) edition of the magazine.

In the second part of his interview, John Baker, shares how a balloon meet sparked his lifelong passion for ballooning and all lighter-than-air flight. 

As a dedicated collector of balloon and airship related books and memorabilia, he has a remarkable collection of LP covers and 14 to 15 bookcases devoted to balloons and airships. He serves as an archivist for the British Balloon Museum and Library and the British Balloon and Airship Club, and is frequently consulted on obscure ballooning topics. His enthusiasm has also taken him around the world as part of balloon ground crews and promotional teams for BOAC and later British Airways. 

Alongside this, John spent decades supporting air traffic control at the Farnborough Airshow (1986–2012). John describes memorable moments - from precision jet displays by French Air Force Alpha Jets to the sheer force of an Antonov’s jet blast sending tables, chairs, and a marquee tumbling across the runway.

John also recalls experiences with airships and coordinating balloon operations during the Farnborough Air Show. On one occasion, he flew in a small two-man airship from White Waltham to assist the police with traffic surveillance. On another occasion, he coordinated the early arrival of several balloons before the airfield officially opened which he recalls as his “good deed for the day”. 

Reflecting on his long career in air traffic control, he highlights the importance of passion in air traffic control and fondly remembers the camaraderie of colleagues. “It was a joy to go to work every day,” he says, “because you never knew what was going to happen - and you were with friends.”

John Baker was interviewed by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.

A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4193180

Photo: John Baker flying his radio controlled model inside the Eisteddford Building at Llangollen.