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All University Air Squadrons

University of London Air Squadron

ULAS is an RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) Unit that provides a wide range of training to students from the London and surrounding area, which includes the Universities of Hertfordshire and Kent.

Crest for University of London Air Squadron

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About

ULAS is the largest UAS with a strength of some 90 students and offers around 30 places per year to students from associated Universities within its large catchment area. The Squadron’s Town Headquarters is located at RAF Northolt and its Flying Headquarters is located at RAF Wittering, from which students fly the Grob 115E Tutor. ULAS has a rich heritage with students flying the Avro 504, Bulldog and Chipmunk aircraft and notable members have included Kirsty Stewart, the first female Red Arrows pilot; Norman Todd, The Captain of the first British Airways Concorde flight; and Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars.

Weekly training

Weekly training nights are held at town headquarters during term time. Alongside this there is flying training from RAF Wittering, adventurous training throughout the year, sports competitions, ceremonial events, and social events punctuating the annual calendar.

History

Sep 1935: The University of London Air Squadron was formed in September 1935, taking up their first headquarters at Exhibition Road in South Kensington.

1939 – 1941: With the outbreak of war in 1939 the squadron was disbanded, but was reformed in April 1941 for university students whom had volunteered for aircrew duties.

April 1941: After the war had ended, the University Air Squadron system reformed within No 54 Group and transferred over to No 3 EFTS at RAF Biggin Hill flying de Havilland Tiger Moths.

1951: The Squadron Crest was issued after being authorised by King George VI in December 1950.

2013 – 2015: The University of London Air Squadron was awarded the Rex Waite memorial trophy for outstanding acts of charity carried out over the year in support of the Jon Egging Trust, including raising £15,000. ULAS was the first UAS to be awarded the Rex Waite Trophy. In 2015, ULAS squadron members raised £54,000 for charity which is a number unprecedented in UAS history.

2015: ULAS Flying Headquarters relocated to RAF Wittering from RAF Wyton.

Associated Universities

Contact details

Town Headquarters

University of London Air Squadron, Yeomanry House, Handel Street, London, WC1N 1NP

Flying Headquarters

Town Headquarters: The Adjutant, University of London Air Squadron, RAF Northolt, West End Road, Middlesex, HA4 6NG

Flying Headquarters: University of London Air Squadron, RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire, PE8 6HB.

Phone: 02088338658

Email: [email protected]

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