Special Certificates - UK

ROYAL AERO CLUB SPECIAL CERTIFICATE.
(Under the rules of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.) Published 11th November 1911
The Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom will grant a Special Certificate to aviators who have passed the following tests:—

• 1. A. Candidates must hold the F.A.I. Aviators' Certificate, and be entered on the Competitors Register of the Royal Aero Club.
• 1. B. The requirements are :—
  • (1) A cross-country flight, out and back round a point situated at least 50 miles from the start. The turning point will be selected by the Royal Aero Club, and will not be indicated to the candidate until one hour before the starting time selected by the candidate. This flight shall be completed within five hours of the selected starting time.
  • (2) A separate altitude flight of at least 1,000 feet rise, which shall be verified by recording barograph, sealed by the observers prior to the start.
  • (3) To glide from a height of at least 500 feet above the ground to earth, with engine completely cut off, and alight under normal conditions within 100 yards from the starting point. This glide may, at the candidate's option, be the conclusion of Test 2. A sealed barograph must be carried in all flights.
• 2. Each of the flights must be vouched for in writing by observers appointed by the Royal Aero Club. All tests to be under the control of, and in places agreed to by, the Royal Aero Club.
• 3. All flights must be made between sunrise and one hour after sunset, and suitable previous notice must be given to the Secretary of the Royal Aero Club.
• 4. Candidates must make application on a form provided for that purpose. Any expenses incurred must be borne by the candidates.
• 5. The Royal Aero Club will decide if the candidate has qualified for a certificate, but reserves the right to refuse the same or withdraw the same at any time without giving reasons.
• 6. The decision of the Royal Aero Club on all matters connected with the tests is final and without appeal.
• 7. The Royal Aero Club reserves itself the right to add to, amend or omit any of these rules, should it think fit.
• 8. The Royal Aero Club declines all responsibility for any accidents, or any damage that may occur to the aviators, their machines or to any third parties during or in connection with the qualifying tests of the candidate.

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Certificates Awarded
The gold medal of the Aero Club, in recognition of his recent flight in a 40-mile wind at Blackpool, was presented to Hubert Latham at an informal luncheon at the Royal Automobile Club on Wednesday last, the 3rd inst. Mr. Roger W. Wallace, Chairman of the Aero Club, made the presentation, and Mr. Latham, in a brief speech, expressed his gratification at the honour paid to M. Levavasseur, as the designer of the machine, and to himself.

1. Samuel Cody (Cody biplane). Cross-country course: Laffan's Plain to Shrewton, Wilts, and back. Announced 16th December 1911.
2. James Valentine (Bristol monoplane). Cross-country course: Salisbury to Laffan's Plain and back. Announced 16th December 1911.
3. J. D. H. Fulton, Captain. R.F.A. (Bristol biplane). Cross-country course, Salisbury to Laffan's Plain and back. Announced 16th December 1911.
4. Geoffrey de Havilland (Factory Biplane, Farnborough). Course: Farnborough to Shrewton and back. Announced 13th January 1912
5. Alan Geoffrey Fox, Lieutenant. R.F.C. (Bristol biplane). Cross-country course: Lark Hill to Cheltenham and back. Announced 20th July 1912.
6. Patrick Hamilton, Captain. (Deperdussin Monoplane). Cross-country course: Lark Hill to Weymouth and back. Announced 27th July 1912
7. H. R. Cook, Lieutenant Colonel. R.F.C. Announced 7th September 1912
8. Sydney Pickles, Cross Country Course: Hendon to Brighton and back (Caudron biplane). Announced 5th July 1913
9. Reginald Cholmondeley, Lieutenant. (R.F.C.) (Henry Farman Biplane), cross-country course: Netheravon to Chichester. Announced 6th September 1913

See Also

• Early Aviators