Aviation Preservation Society of Scotland

WHAT DO WE DO?

We tackle age related problems and commemorate the heritage of Great War aviation by hand- building WW1 aircraft.

HOW DO WE DO IT?

We have a large workshop, 30 working volunteers and a great deal of experience.

Our work is divided into 3 areas:

Project work: Building ww1 aircraft from the original plans and flying them
Training: We pass on our skills and experience to the community
Heritage: We talk about the history of the defence of East Lothian and Edinburgh

We believe that:

Working collectively is good
Working inter-generationally is good
Coming together for leisure activities is good
Telling the untold story of the defence of East Lothian and Edinburgh by the men and women of the Royal Naval Air Service is good

OUR HISTORY

Formed in 1973 to help in the establishment of the National Museum of Flight at East Fortune, we were asked in 2000 to build a flying exhibit for the museum. We researched and we fundraised and now possess the only flying WW1 fighter in Scotland.

OUR IMPACT

Over 100 members. Over 1000 visitors have been to our workshop and learned about early aviation and the defence of Scotland from Zeppelins and submarines.

We have entertained groups from schools, colleges, community groups and have given talks at schools, colleges and institutions.

We have provided training for international students as well as trainees and apprentices in industry.

OUR GOALS

To continue building significant WW1 aircraft
To open our workshop to young and old, disadvantaged and marginalised and inspire them to immerse themselves in engineering, aviation and the history of the defence of East Lothian
To make an impact in the community
In coming years to establish a WW1 Living Heritage Visitor Attraction commemorating the men and women who defended the county in the Great War

OUR COLLECTION

We have an extensive collection of magazine articles and photographs, collected over many years.

We can research into specific topics as requested by APSS project teams and anybody who needs to utilise our expertise.

We have an excellent selection of material open to anyone to explore.

RADIO AND RADAR

We have a unique collection of historic radio and radar equipment and love to tell the fascinating story of its role in the defence of Scotland and the Edinburgh area.

We have very close links with Leonardo (previously Ferranti) and have been given a fascinating array of ground and airborne radar units.

If you want to get your hands on some historic technology and see a mock up of a Lancaster radio bay or examine early Gyro Gunsights, come and talk our team of enthusiasts.

GLIDER

We have restored and fly one of the last Slingsby T53 gliders in the country. A team of APSS members fly out of Portmoak in Fife as often as weather permits. New members more than welcome. Just apply to alan@strutteraviation.com to become an APSS member and enjoy some of the most affordable flying available in Scotland.

For additional resources and related mediaFOOTLOCKER

YOU CAN HELP

So much has been learned on the way to completing this extraordinary aircraft and with your help, we can roll it out to the community as the Community Heritage Aviation Project.

You can have immediate impact by donating to our project or you can sign up for regular payments and become a part of this unique community.

If you have skills you think will be useful...be it PR, Accountancy, Project Management, Social Media, or good old joinery and metal working skills, then join us as a volunteer and be part of this amazing team.

And be around a FLYING WW1 aircraft!

VOLUNTEER

Or if you can't donate your time, feel free to make a monetary contribution:

DONATE

AVIATION PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND