History

History of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the New Zealand Division

The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) is a UK based world wide organization with divisions and branches in New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Europe, Hong Kong, and the UAE. The Society, founded in the UK in 1866, is the oldest aeronautical society in the world and has evolved into a global focal point for the entire aerospace community. The Society now has over 22,500 members and has become an international, multidisciplinary professional institution dedicated to the global aerospace community.

To find out more about RAeS story, read a short history of the Royal Aeronautical Society, watch video of Past President Air Cdre Bill Tyack FRAeS delivers a lecture on the origins and the history of the Royal Aeronautical Society as part of the 150th Anniversary celebrations, see the first minute book or contact the National Aerospace Library.

Further reading

The history of aviation in New Zealand

Aviator Vivian Walsh made the first controlled powered flight in New Zealand in Auckland on 5 February 1911.

A New Zealand Division branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society was established in Wellington in 1946.