AVM David Couzens becomes President of the Royal Aeronautical Society
At the 145th Annual General Meeting of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), held on 19th May, AVM David Couzens was officially handed the Presidential chain of office by outgoing President Dr Mike Steeden (RAeS President 2009-2010). On receiving the chain of office AVM Couzens said “I am truly honoured to have been elected to lead this great professional Society. We are at an exciting time in the development of the Society and the Strategic Review (undertaken during my time as President Elect) points to those key areas for the decade ahead. He added “My aim will be to focus on the impact we can make as a Learned Society, enabling informed debate on the big issues of today and tomorrow and in so doing to engage with a membership base which reflects fully the modern and global aerospace sector. Above all we are a charity, and, as such, we will continue to seek to hold true to our Charter and generally advance knowledge and wider understanding of the art and science of aeronautics.” AVM Couzens paid particular tribute to outgoing President Dr Mike Steeden. He said “Dr Mike Steeden has had an exceptionally demanding, but productive, year- steering the Society with great skill and good humour. Mike, and his wife Hilary, have made huge personal contributions to every aspect of the wider life of the Society and will be a hard act to follow.” AVM Couzens’ year of office began immediately. He delivered his inaugural address to the Society’s Annual Banquet, held during the evening of 19th May. The Banquet took place at the InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane, London, preceded by a drinks reception at the Society’s headquarters at No4 Hamilton Place London. Guest of Honour at the Banquet was Tom Burbage, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. About the Royal Aeronautical Society The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world’s only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community. Established in 1866 to further the art, science and engineering of aeronautics, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace ever since. The Society promotes the highest professional standards in all aerospace disciplines and is a key provider of specialist information on aspects of aerospace. In addition the Society acts as a central forum for the exchange of ideas and plays a leading role in influencing opinion on aerospace matters. There are currently over 17,000 members of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 100+ countries; members meet regularly via the Society’s network of 60+ Branches and Divisions. More than 175 companies and organisations have become Corporate Partners of the Society while the Society also features 24 groups focusing on specialist areas with the aerospace industry. Every year the Society holds 400+ conferences, lectures and events. For more information visit www.aerosociety.com or contact Peter Bradfield – PR Advisor pr@aerosociety.com tel 01362 860 061
