Royal Aeronautical Society Podcast

From a childhood obsession with flying, Sir John Allison built a remarkable RAF career spanning 1961 to 1999, rising from pilot cadet to Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command. Throughout his interview, Sir John reflects on flying many of the 116 aircraft types recorded in his logbook. He explores his early career flying Lightnings, working with the US Air Force operating the Phantom II and serving as an instructor, before giving a flavour of the roles and responsibilities he undertook as he moved up the ranks of the Royal Air Force. John’s determination, professionalism, and enduring passion for flying emerge as defining features of both his career and leadership.

Determined from an early age to become a pilot, he joined the Air Training Corps as a schoolboy, learned to glide, flew light aircraft independently, and earned a scholarship to RAF Cranwell, graduating in 1964 as best pilot in his entry and winner of the aerobatics prize.

He trained on the English Electric Lightning before serving on No. 5 Squadron at RAF Binbrook and later becoming an instructor at RAF Coltishall. An exchange posting with the US Air Force in Arizona during the Vietnam era led to his conversion to the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, which he describes as “the airplane of my life” because of its versatility and capability. Returning to the UK as a Squadron Leader, he commanded Phantom training at RAF Coningsby Operational Conversion Unit.

Increasingly aware that advancement required more than operational flying alone, he developed a career strategy that combined flying, instruction, and senior staff appointments. After Staff College, he progressed through a series of demanding but rewarding Cold War appointments including Station Commander at RAF Wildenrath, Director of Air Force Plans and Programmes, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Operational Requirements), and Air Officer Commanding No. 11 Group, responsible for UK air defence - “the best part of my career.” Despite his senior rank, he continued extensive operational flying, believing it was an essential part of leadership, and gained a combat rating on the Tornado.

He later became Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command, Commander-in-Chief of Logistics Command, and finally Commander-in-Chief of Strike Command in 1997 before retirement in 1999 - fulfilling the ambition of the boy who had once dreamed of flying aeroplanes.

While commanding No. 11 Group, he took the opportunity to fly with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight pursuing a lifelong passion for vintage aircraft. Alongside his RAF career, he developed a distinguished display flying career, including flying for the Shuttleworth Collection and The Fighter Collection at Duxford.

Throughout his interview, Sir John gives a vivid picture of flying many of the 116 aircraft in his logbook including the Lightning, Gnat, Hunter, Hawk, Phantom, Tornado, and range of vintage types including the Lancaster. He also retells the story of a particularly difficult Lightning landing at Le Bourget following what he candidly calls a “self-done” mistake.

Summing up his career, Sir John reflects on flying as both a profession and an art form. He speaks openly about carrying “a sliver of fear” into the cockpit, the importance of discipline and skill, and his belief that digitisation has diminished the artistry of modern flying. He describes aviation as “a great leveller,” where only ability matters, and advises aspiring pilots to pursue flying only for the genuine love of it.

ACM Sir John Allison KCB CBE was interviewed by Sir George Cox CRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth' to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.

A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: ACM Sir John Allison oral history interview | National Aerospace Library

Photo: Sir John Allison aged 23, first tour Lightning pilot on No 5 Squadron, RAF Binbrook

In this special episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM podcast, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson FRAeS chats to new Royal Aeronautical Society President 2026-27, Professor Malcolm Macdonald FRAeS about his upcoming Presidential themes, why space is so important to us all - plus he picks his favourite science fiction film.

In this special episode of AEROSPACE NOTAM podcast, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson FRAeS chats to Royal Aeronautical Society President 2025-26, Dr Alisdair Wood FRAeS about his Presidential year, his favourite moments and why he is passionate about the 'art' of aeronautics. www.aerosociety.com

In the latest podcast in the series from the Royal Aeronautical Society's monthly AEROSPACE magazine, Editor in Chief Tim Robinson, Deputy Editor Stephen Bridgewater and Features Editor Dominic Ward analyse recent aviation, aerospace and space news - and preview the newest (May 2026) edition of the magazine.

In the second part of his interview, John Baker, shares how a balloon meet sparked his lifelong passion for ballooning and all lighter-than-air flight. 

As a dedicated collector of balloon and airship related books and memorabilia, he has a remarkable collection of LP covers and 14 to 15 bookcases devoted to balloons and airships. He serves as an archivist for the British Balloon Museum and Library and the British Balloon and Airship Club, and is frequently consulted on obscure ballooning topics. His enthusiasm has also taken him around the world as part of balloon ground crews and promotional teams for BOAC and later British Airways. 

Alongside this, John spent decades supporting air traffic control at the Farnborough Airshow (1986–2012). John describes memorable moments - from precision jet displays by French Air Force Alpha Jets to the sheer force of an Antonov’s jet blast sending tables, chairs, and a marquee tumbling across the runway.

John also recalls experiences with airships and coordinating balloon operations during the Farnborough Air Show. On one occasion, he flew in a small two-man airship from White Waltham to assist the police with traffic surveillance. On another occasion, he coordinated the early arrival of several balloons before the airfield officially opened which he recalls as his “good deed for the day”. 

Reflecting on his long career in air traffic control, he highlights the importance of passion in air traffic control and fondly remembers the camaraderie of colleagues. “It was a joy to go to work every day,” he says, “because you never knew what was going to happen - and you were with friends.”

John Baker was interviewed by Dr Kit Mitchell FRAeS as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals. The recording was edited by edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS.

A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Aerospace Library catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4193180

Photo: John Baker flying his radio controlled model inside the Eisteddford Building at Llangollen.