MASTER – 01 JUNE 2015 ROYAL AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY AERONAUTICAL HERITAGE SCHEME AWARDS In late 2007 the Royal Aeronautical Society launched its Aeronautical Heritage Awards scheme as part of the 2008 celebration of the Centenary of British Aviation. The Awards commemorate people, places or things that have made contributions of world-class significance to the art and science of aeronautics. All aspects of aviation, both technological and operational, are eligible. The Awards are recognised by placing bronze plaques in a public place that is appropriate to the achievement being commemorated. (An example of a Presidential Nomination is shown below.) The Society originally conceived such a scheme in 1959, but it was not implemented, leaving much aeronautical heritage without suitable memorials. For example, out of some 800 Heritage Blue Plaques around the UK, less than 20 are aviation related. Although initially launched within the United Kingdom the Scheme is now operational worldwide. The Society seeks to co-operate with other organisations involved in aeronautical heritage and will accept nominations from any responsible source and in particular, the Society’s Divisions, Branches and Corporate Partners who can play an important role in canvassing nominations. Nomination forms are on the Society’s web site: http://aerosociety.com/About-Us/medalsawards/heritageawards or can be obtained from Society’s Headquarters (see contacts below). The cost of the plaques will, in the main, be met by sponsorship arranged at a local level by those submitting the nominations. There is an arrangement to enable Presidential Nominations to be processed; funding for such awards can be met by the Society. Under the governance of the RAeS, The Aeronautical Heritage Awards Steering Group is responsible for policy and process, and the Aeronautical Heritage Awards Scrutiny Committee is responsible for scrutinising nominations and recommending awards. The Scrutiny Committee comprises a broad cross-section of heritage experts from the Society’s Specialist Groups and other relevant organisations. RAeS Staff Member: Mr Tim Caines, Tel: +44 (0) 207 670 4312 tim.caines@aerosociety.com