Why run an apprenticeship?

From filling in paper slips at West Drayton to the high tech world at Swanwick, John Baker reflects on a four-decades managing the skies above Britain. From explaining how he got a job at West Drayton and his initial training, to life at Swanwick, he explores the demanding lifestyle, challenges and fun he had along the way. Leaving school with four ‘O’ Levels, the minimum entry requirement at the time, John joined London Air Traffic Control Centre (LATCC) at West Drayton near Heathrow as an Air Traffic Control Assistant (ATCA) at just 17¾ years old, gaining valuable operational experience. Shift work began on a repeating four-day cycle and when the shift system became even more complicated in 1973, John recalls his mother-in-law keeping a wall chart to track family members’ shifts to determine who would be home for meals. His four years’ practical experience, together with gaining a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), was accepted as equivalent to A-level qualifications and enabled John to meet the entry requirements to train as an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO). He began the three-year ATCO training programme in 1974. The three-year training course was intensive and wide-ranging, starting with visits to operational airfields at Guernsey and Bournemouth (Hurn) airports so trainees could speak directly with working pilots rather than rely solely on simulators. Tower training involved learning runway operations and local procedures. Specialist training in area, radar and approach control took place at other centres, including the LATCC, RAF Watton, and Prestwick Airport. At Prestwick, he recalls handling a Concorde, a Boeing 707, and a Piper Cherokee in the circuit at the same time. After qualifying, John avoided a posting to Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands by claiming to have a fiancée, and he remained at West Drayton for most of his career. When the centre closed, operations moved to Swanwick near Southampton, where he continued until retiring in 2010. John provides detailed insight into the realities of ATC work such as managing flight progress strips, using precise ATC shorthand and IATC codes to avoid misunderstandings, and maintaining strict communication discipline. He recalls incidents that illustrate the responsibility of the role, including questioning a pilot after fuel vapour was seen trailing from an aircraft and following an instinct to check on another pilot - an intervention he describes as his ‘good deed of the day’. He emphasises the importance of teamwork in sharing responsibility and contrasts ATC’s intense but contained shift work, where you can leave the job behind at the end of a shift with the ongoing pressures of modern office work where it can be difficult to avoid emails. Over his career, John witnessed major technological change as paper-based processes gradually gave way to electronic systems. Early on, a “Minicap” computer printed paper flight strips, but it was still switched off weekly so controllers could maintain their skills in writing strips by hand. It was later replaced by the more advanced IBM 9020 system. He also describes the introduction of transponders, which greatly improved flight planning and tracking. Although he enjoyed earning his PPL, John realised he preferred the slower pace of ballooning to piloting powered aircraft. Part 2 of John’s interview will talk about his involvement with the British Balloon and Airship Club and the British Balloon Museum and Library. He also tells stories about his time working in ATC for the Farnborough Air Show. John Baker was interviewed by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: John Baker oral history interview | National Aerospace Library

In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (March 2026) edition of the magazine, as well as looking at the military and commercial aviation implications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Helicopter man Roger Cansdale CEng FRAeS reflects on a remarkable four-decade career in aerospace and weapons development with the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) and QinetiQ. From helicopter programmes and advancing flight safety to contributing to cutting-edge weapons systems, Roger shares his insights on the innovations, challenges, and his lasting impact on UK aviation and defence. After graduating from the University of Bristol in 1964, Roger began his distinguished career at Farnborough, first with the RAE and later as part of QinetiQ. He started in the Structures Department’s Dynamics Division before moving, ten years later, to the Airworthiness Division, where he played a leading role in ensuring the structural integrity and flight safety of UK military helicopters. Roger’s helicopter work included providing expert guidance on the Westland Lynx and first-hand involvement in developing the BERP rotor (British Experimental Rotor Programme). He describes problem-solving as one of the most satisfying aspects of his career and highlights the strong partnerships he built with Westland. He also involved in assessing the safety of historic Army helicopters, where his careful judgement contributed to the Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to withdraw the Skeeter’s permit to fly. Later in his career, after a brief period in the RAE’s Management Support Unit, Roger broadened his expertise to weapons systems, including work on the Matra-BAE Storm Shadow programme. Looking back, Roger fondly recalls a memorable anecdote from his student years: a summer spent in the United States working with actor Buster Crabbe, famous for his roles as Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, and Tarzan. Roger’s achievements have been recognised with numerous awards. He received the N E Rowe Medal from the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for a paper written while at university. Later, he was honoured with the RAeS Bronze Medal for outstanding contributions to flight safety, following a nomination by Westland, and the prestigious Wakefield Gold Medal. Roger Cansdale CEng FRAeS was interviewed by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project  ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: Roger Cansdale oral history interview | National Aerospace Library

In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (February 2026) edition of the magazine.

Why do companies choose to run apprenticeship programmes? We spoke directly to the employers who hire apprentices to explore the real value apprenticeships bring to their businesses, featuring insights from 2Excel Aviation and Marshall ADG.

As next week's biennial Singapore Airshow sets to ready to take-off next week, TIM ROBINSON FRAeS and STEPHEN BRIDGEWATER FRAeS preview the 10th edition of Asia's largest aerospace exhibition at the Changi Exhibition Centre from 3–8 February 2026.

Arthur’s highly successful career followed an unconventional path. He left school with a mix of GCEs, O Levels, and two A Levels, neither of which were Maths, but with plenty of practical know-how from his father. Describing himself as ‘vastly overconfident but vastly underqualified’, Arthur was unsure of his future until a careers adviser’s suggestion led him to Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) Farnborough. In 1975, Arthur joined the Engineering Physics (EP) Department as an Assistant Scientific Officer, doing experimental research into helicopter transmissions. When the department closed in the early 1980s, he moved , now a Scientific Officer, to the Flight Systems Department, completing EP projects before working on aircraft hydraulic systems. This involved real aircraft which had to be cleared for flight, but ended after a Hunter aircraft suffered an engine failure on take-off. Both pilots ejected safely, but the project was transferred to RAE Bedford  leaving Arthur once again in search of a new post. He described himself as being ‘hawked around’ the Weapons Department before settling in Attack Weapons, where he worked on anti-tank systems and again flight clearance on real aircraft. His practical approach earned promotion to Principal Scientific Officer and involvement in international missile programmes. Though he credited luck, his skills were clearly valued. Arthur saw the RAE as more a family than a workplace, and joining the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) put him on the path to Chartered Engineer despite the lack of a degree. The CEng grew in importance as Farnborough became DRA, DERA, and finally QinetiQ, a period Arthur called a ‘Wild West’ of unclear strategy and scarce funds. After a disruptive split of staff between QinetiQ and DSTL, he chose QinetiQ, but the ensuing chaos left him feeling ‘crushed.’ He eventually moved to Aldermaston, where his weapons and aircraft clearance experience was valued. He then spent five satisfying years in work he found genuinely useful, a period of redemption that let him retire without the frustration of leaving Farnborough. Arthur’s interests included long-term involvement with the Air Cadets and research into Operation Chastise. What began as a paper supporting his RAeS application and pursuit of Chartered Engineer status eventually led to him serving as a technical advisor for a TV programme on the Dambusters. Reflecting on his career, Arthur felt a university degree at 18 wouldn’t have suited him. The informal apprenticeship at the RAE, guided by colleagues who recognized his potential, worked far better for his development. When asked about the biggest change he witnessed over his career, Arthur highlighted the shift in organisational culture. At the RAE, trials could fail without fuss, provided no one was harmed; by QinetiQ, the same incident would prompt a full inquiry. The RAE’s “suck-it-and-see” approach fostered risk-taking, allowing Technical Demonstrator Programmes to succeed through building and tinkering, often before fully understanding the systems. Arthur has written an account of the various phases of his career but has still to finish the “messy” bit.  He also enjoys writing aeronautical histories. His paper on the role of the RAE and the V1 was published in the RAeS’s Journal of Aeronautical History. Arthur Kearse CEng FRAeS was interviewed by Roger Cansdale FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: Arthur Kearse oral history interview | National Aerospace Library

In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson and Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (January 2026) edition of the magazine. (Note podcast recorded in late December)

John Romain MBE is a distinguished engineer, display pilot, and commercially successful aircraft restorer whose career has placed him at the forefront of historic aviation. He began his journey as a technician apprenticeship at Hawker Siddeley Dynamics and British Aerospace before helping restore Graham Warner’s Blenheim and founding the Aircraft Restoration Company, which now employs over seventy people working on the maintenance and restoration of classic aircraft. As a pilot, John has flown an exceptional range of historic types, including the Lysander, Blenheim, B-17, B-25, Corsair, Me 109, Hurricane and numerous Spitfires. Romain's renowned skills at display filming have taken him into major film productions, notably serving as Tom Cruise’s stunt pilot in Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning and contributing to Dunkirk. John’s life story reflects one of modest beginnings, great endeavour and a dedication to preserving aviation heritage. John Romain MBE was interviewed by Keith Cameron in 2025 as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS. A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-5eha4-19f1da8 The photograph of John Romain shows him sat in the Spitfire XI that he restored and first flew again in 2018. The aircraft, nicknamed “Eleven” and “L”, was named in honour of pioneering aviator Lettice Curtis. In 1948, Curtis famously flew the aircraft when she set the British women’s record for the fastest time over a 100-kilometre closed-circuit course, achieving a speed of 313.208 mph. The National Aerospace Library holds the certificate for Lettice Curtis’s record-breaking flight, along with a rich collection of papers and photographs documenting her life and work. These include material relating to her service with the Air Transport Auxiliary, her logbooks, and her post-war aviation career. You can find out more here: https://www.aerosociety.com/news/eleanor-lettice-curtis-a-british-aviation-pioneer

In the latest podcast in series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Bella Richards analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the latest (December 2025) edition of the magazine. Meanwhile, Seth Moffat, Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group talks to ex-Emirates Airlines Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations, Capt Alan Stealey about the global carriers' incredible history.