The De Havilland Mosquito
Monday 24th January - 1900 for 1930 hrs. Presented by Mr Rod Dean who will tell the story about the Mosquito, which had a very difficult start to its career, with many senior RAF people unconvinced of the promised performance and the structural integrity of a wooden aircraft.
Fortunately, within parts of the Air Ministry there was support, and despite opposition, particularly from Minister of Aircraft Production, Lord Beaverbrook, the Mosquito (‘Mossie’) flew and decisively proved its critics wrong on all counts.
The Mosquito became one of the most successful and versatile aircraft of WW2, covering every possible requirement, fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, night-fighter and trainer.
This talk by Rod Dean, will be an in depth study of the development, construction and use of the outstanding De Havilland Mosquito.
Flying Scholarships for Disabled People
Monday 28th February - 1900 for 1930hrs Presented by Mr. Mel White
The charity Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) was established in 1983, following the death of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader.
FSDP was founded by Paul Bowen and Tim Prince, with the aim of using Douglas Bader’s life as an inspiration to other disabled people. Since its inception, FSDP has changed the lives of over 400 disabled people, through its annual flying scholarships.
Today, FSDP remains focussed on its core mission of changing the lives of disabled people, by these, by continuing the flight training scholarships.
Mel White will illustrate how this is done, and look at the impact FSDP had had on the life of Steven Robinson, known to many as ‘The One Arm Pilot’.
Steve has been awarded the British Empire Medal, for services to people with disabilities.
AirACES is an aviation talk society, providing its members with regular talks, given by experts in many different fields related to the world of aviation.
The talks are held at the Chichester Park Hotel, Westhampnett Road, Chichester 7pm for 7.30 start. Members £5, visitors £7 and under 16s FREE.
Doors open at 6.45 no pre-booking, no reserved seating
For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk or call David Batcock on 01243 823007