Loughborough Branch: Flying and Displaying Vintage Piston Aircraft

This lecture explores Rod Dean's 40-year career displaying vintage piston-powered aircraft, from the modest Bulldog and Slingsby T67 to iconic fighter aircraft including the Mustang, Bearcat, Spitfire and many others. The presentation provides insight into the performance characteristics and handling of these historic aircraft.

Rod Dean is an experienced Aviation Consultant who retired from the RAF in 1984 after 21 years of service, during which he flew operationally on Hunter and Jaguar aircraft, with additional time on the Hawk, Jet Provost, Meteor, Gnat and Chipmunk. As Strike Command Hunter display pilot at RAF Chivenor in 1972–1973, he performed approximately 50 public displays and won the inaugural WD and HO Wills Solo Jet Display Trophy at the North Weald International Air Tattoo in 1972.

On the civil display circuit, Rod has piloted numerous World War II and post-war piston fighters including the Mustang, Corsair, Wildcat, Sea Fury, Bearcat, Hurricane, Harvard and Skyraider, alongside vintage jets such as the Meteor, Vampire, Venom, T33, F86 Sabre and Hunter. His CAA Display Authorisation qualifies him to lead formations of any size; he notably led a 19-aircraft Big Wing formation of Spitfires and Hurricanes at Duxford in September 2000. In 2001, he led a Hunter team whose display was judged Best Overall Flying Demonstration at RAF Cottesmore Royal International Air Tattoo, earning the King Hussein Memorial Sword. Rod has recently retired from active display flying following a successful 2023 season but continues recreational aviation.

RAeS Members, Associated Branch Members and students attend free. Non-members are welcome and encouraged to make a £3 donation. For queries, contact Goff Tearle at [email protected].