There are loads of places around the UK which
are associated with Britain’s aerospace
industry. Tens of thousands of people work
within the industry – from designers to
engineers – helping develop aviation for
the 21st Century. Some of them might be near
to where you live! Let’s spin the propeller
and see where we’re headed today!
It’s London! Get ready for take-off!
You might not think it, but London has been
at the heart of aviation for well over a hundred
years.
Even before there were powered aeroplanes,
the sky above London played host to hot air
balloons and airships. It all began in the
mid-1800s when people began to experiment
with gliders and aircraft.
...although the first planes didn’t tend
to go very far…
Ouch! There was a lot of interest in this
new exciting form of travel and so in 1866
the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain
was formed. Today it’s known as the Royal
Aeronautical Society. Its role is still the
same – to help share knowledge and investigate
better ways to make and fly aircraft.
The society’s headquarters by Hyde Park
houses a huge library of resources about aviation
– from books to pictures of famous aviators.
Following the First World War, there was a
huge increase in the number of aircraft in
the skies. Airfields were soon springing up
across the country. And after the second world
war, people began to use airplanes to travel
overseas for their holidays. The skies were
getting very busy indeed!
With so many planes criss-crossing the country,
there was a need for some rules to help prevent
flying accidents – and this included making
sure that pilots were properly trained. Today
an organisation called the Civil Aviation
Authority is in charge of making sure everyone
stays safe.
From its headquarters in Holborn, the CAA
oversees training, ensures aircraft are built
correctly, using the latest technology where
possible, and that airports run efficiently.
All so that passengers can be assured that
flying is as safe as possible. Talking of
which, time for me to fly!
AMY AVIATION’S BRITISH AERONAUTICS – WITH
SUPPORT FROM THE ROYAL AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY.
FIND OUT MORE AT FUN KIDS LIVE / AMY
