Roles and
Objectives
In an address in 1970, the then
Grand Master, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, described the Guild as
follows:
‘It is a body of people
interested in every kind of flying; whether it’s light aircraft for pleasure or
sport, whether it’s commercial, passenger or service; and who want to talk about
flying and improve the techniques of flying and of airmanship.
Of course, other bodies exist to
look after the different divisions of aviation but the Guild exists to bring all
pilots and navigators together whatever division they be in. It’s more than a
club because it has a more serious purpose.
The Guild is concerned with every
technical aspect of flying from safety to navigational aids from airport
facilities to training methods and in particular with new developments in
aircraft and their handling. It is a unique organisation, as its membership is
restricted to qualified pilots and navigators and therefore it can truly claim
to bring together the views and ideas of people who control aircraft in the
air. Perhaps, the most important function of the Guild is to help set and
maintain standards of conduct among flying people.
The Guild is not intended to be a
lobby or pressure group and it does not function in the same way as the Airline
Pilots Associations. However, that doesn’t mean that it will never offer
considered advice if it thinks it necessary, and of course it is always ready to
offer an opinion if asked for.’
For many members the particular
strength and attraction of the Guild is its diverse spread of members and
interests, together with an entirely non-political outlook and a constitution
which forbids it from engaging in trade union activity.
The Guild’s constitutionally
stated objectives are:
·
to establish and
maintain the highest standards of air safety through the promotion of good
airmanship among pilots and navigators.
·
to maintain a liaison
with all authorities connected with licensing, training and legislation
affecting pilot or navigator whether private, professional, civil or military.
·
to constitute a body
of experienced airmen available for advice and consultation and to facilitate
the exchange of information.
·
to strive to enhance
the status of air pilots and air navigators.
·
to assist air pilots
and air navigators in need through the Benevolent Fund.
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