About
The Royal Air Squadron is an association of friends united by a shared passion for private and light aviation. Founded on fellowship and a love of flight, the Squadron brings together individuals who embody the highest standards of skill, curiosity, and adventure.
Its purpose is to promote and support aviation in the United Kingdom and to foster enduring aviation links around the world. Through shared experience, international collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, the Squadron continues to champion the spirit of flying that defines its members and their contribution to aviation.
Honorary Members
The Squadron also has a number of other distinguished Honorary Members including members of the Royal Family, the current Chief of the Air Staff and some heads of air forces of countries outside the United Kingdom, to which the Air Squadron has flown
Activities & Flying Visits
The Squadron arranges about 10 events each year. These events include members' dinners, lectures, the annual presentation of Squadron trophies, visits to units of the armed services and other UK and international flying visits.
The visits usually focus on the UK and Continental Europe with a longer overseas expedition being held every few years. Within Europe the visits range from one day to a grass airstrip to a visit of 10 days or more to several locations.
Support for Aviation
Since the first presentation of the Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword in 1995, the Royal Air Squadron has honoured outstanding cadets through annual awards in the UK, USA, and South Africa — later extending to Ukraine and Estonia. In Britain, the Squadron Trophy recognises the best Combined Cadet Force, while additional awards for aerobatics and homebuilt aircraft encourage excellence and innovation across aviation disciplines.
The Squadron maintains a close relationship with the UK’s armed and special forces, visiting units on land and at sea each year. These connections bridge the civilian and military aviation communities, offering young servicemen and women valuable flying experience. In addition, Squadron members actively support armed forces charities and the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, reflecting an enduring commitment to service and remembrance.