Bristol University Air Squadron

Bristol University Air Squadron
Active1941–present
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Air Force
RoleOfficer Training, Flying Training
Part ofNo. 6 Flying Training School
Garrison/HQMOD Boscombe Down
Motto(s)Audentior Ito (Latin: Go bolder)
ColoursBlack & Yellow
Mascot(s)Wild Boar
EquipmentGrob Tutor T1
WebsiteOfficial website

Bristol University Air Squadron, commonly known as BUAS, is a University Air Squadron that recruits from the University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of the West of England, University of Exeter and University of Plymouth.[1] Training nights are conducted at The Artillery Grounds on Whiteladies Road, Bristol, and flying is conducted out of MOD Boscombe Down, just north of Salisbury. The three primary avenues for development within the Squadron are Flying, Adventurous Training, and Force Development.


History

Bristol University Air Squadron was formed on 25 February 1941 within No. 54 Group RAF, parented by RAF Filton. The squadron moved groups to No. 62 Group RAF on 15 May 1946 and was disbanded on 15 July 1946. The squadron was reformed on 1 December 1950 at Filton within No. 62 Group, parented by RAF Colerne.[2]

In 1975 the Squadron reequipped with Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1 aircraft, which were in use until the introduction of the Grob Tutor T1 in October 2000.

The squadron has moved multiple times, at first from RAF Filton to RAF Colerne in 1993, and again from RAF Colerne to MOD Boscombe Down following the announcement of Colerne's closure in November 2016. The move to Boscombe Down was completed in 2022, including the relocation of BUAS Town Headquarters to The Artillery Grounds on Whiteladies Road in Bristol; a site it shares with Bristol University Officer Training Corps.

Alumni

See also

References

  1. ^ "Bristol University Air Squadron". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  2. ^ Sturtivant & Hamlin 2007, p. 283.
  3. ^ Liverpool Echo Wednesday 3 November 1999, page 8
  • Sturtivant, Ray; Hamlin, John (2007). Royal Air Force flying training and support units since 1912. Tonbridge, UK: Air-Britain (Historians). ISBN 978-0851-3036-59.