20 September 2022
Test pilot Phill O’Dell is among the recipients of the annual Trophies and Awards presented by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots.
The Air Pilots cite his vision and determination as being integral to the success of Rolls-Royce’s record-breaking electric ACCEL flight.
“Every flight of Accel (Acceleration of Electric aerospace) was considered high-risk due its limited endurance, limited stability, high control forces and a poor view from the cockpit,” said the Air Pilots citation.
“Always leading by example, former RAF pilot O’Dell (nickname: Pod) built a high-performance test team that managed to balance the boldness required for technological advance without ever compromising on safety. For this, he is awarded the Derry and Richards Memorial Medal for his outstanding achievement in advancing the art and science of aviation.”
Steve Jones also flew the Rolls-Royce ACCEL aircraft
O’Dell is joined by Steve Jones, a retired British Airways Captain, former Red Bull Air Race pilot and Race Director and warbird display pilot. Jones is awarded Myles Bickerton Trophy for outstanding flying achievement in General Aviation for his own role in developing the ACCEL aircraft.
The Air Pilots’ Trophies and Awards are traditionally presented at London’s Guildhall on the last Thursday of October.
The courage, leadership and airmanship of RAF airlift pilot Squadron Leader Mark Parker during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 have also been recognised with the Air Pilots’ Grand Master’s Award.
“Operation Pitting represented the largest UK military evacuation since WWII,” said the Air Pilots citation.
“Squadron Leader Parker led Number LXX Squadron’s detachment, which had been expected to take place in benign conditions but led to overrunning of Kabul Airport after the swift collapse of the Afghan regime. Having been forced to hold off from landing due to an abandoned aircraft in flames blocking the runway and aborting one landing attempt, Parker demonstrated extraordinary flying skill in landing on minimal fuel in extremely challenging conditions – including incoming Taliban fire – to deliver critical troops onto the ground. He then safely recovered the aircraft and his crew back to Dubai ready for another mission.”
Stuart Goldspink
Other winners include Stuart Goldspink with five decades of experience in the cockpit, flying a range of aircraft and demonstrating an incredible passion for flying and displaying. Goldspink is awarded the Hanna Trophy, named for legendary display pilot Ray Hanna.
This year’s Sword of Honour – which recognises an outstanding contribution to General Aviation – goes to Robert Pooley, who has been totally involved in the field for some 60 years. After service in the RAF, Pooley established what is no known as the Pooley’s Flight Guides, which is today published as both a printed guide and also in electronic formats. Pooley was also instrumental in establishing the Air Pilots’ flying scholarships for young people to allow them to learn to fly, which he paid for himself in the early years.
The Pike Trophy, which is awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to civil flying instruction, goes to Anthony Mollison, who is known throughout the industry for his standards and individual care for each student, as well as his devotion to quality for more than 30 years. During that time, he has flown more than 11,500 hours in light aircraft – virtually all instructing and examining.
