Honourable Company of Air Pilots

The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, formerly the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (GAPAN), is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Company was founded in 1929, and became a Livery Company in 1956.[1] Elizabeth II granted Honourable status to the company in February 2014.[2] Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, formally presented the royal charter to the master of the company, Tudor Owen, at a banquet held at the London Guildhall on 19 February 2014.[citation needed]

Stained glass to the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators, Guildhall, London

The company ranks eighty-first in the order of precedence of livery companies and fourth in the order of precedence of the modern livery companies.[1] It is unique amongst City Livery Companies in having active regional committees in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and North America.[citation needed]

The Company's motto is 'Per Cælum Via Nostra', 'Our Way Is By The Heavens'.[1]

Objectives of the Company

edit

The objectives of the company are:

  • To establish and maintain the highest standards of air safety through the promotion of good airmanship among pilots and navigators.
  • To maintain a liaison with all authorities connected with licensing, training and legislation affecting pilot or navigator whether private, professional, civil or military.
  • To constitute a body of experienced airmen available for advice and consultation and to facilitate the exchange of information.
  • To strive to enhance the status of air pilots and air navigators.
  • To assist air pilots and air navigators in need through the Benevolent Fund.

The Court of the Company

edit

Note: This information may not be up to date.

Year Master Immediate Past Master Master-Elect Wardens Clerk Chaplains
2024-25 Richie Piper Jonathan P Legat John Denyer
  • Elizabeth Walkinshaw
  • Steven Dean
  • Dave Singleton
Paul Tacon Ray J Pentland CB[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c "Air Pilots' Company - Livery Companies of the City of London". liverydatabase.liverycompanies.info. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
  2. ^ Slater, Steve. "Hangar Talk". Aeroplane (April 2014). Cudham: Kelsey Publishing: 15. ISSN 0143-7240.
  3. ^ "Ray Pentland" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 August 2013. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
edit