To encourage, promote and advance Safety and Standards in British Air Displays’
In 2009 a meeting of a few airshow organisers was held at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford to discuss some of the problems faced by organisers and compare notes. Having recognised the benefits of the meeting an invitation was sent out to the wider airshow community, resulting in over 80 attending a meeting at the 2010 MoD-sponsored post-season symposium at RAF Northolt.
It was the consensus of those attending that an organisation representing the air display industry as a whole in the UK was needed. A working group was appointed who set about looking at the format, articles of association, membership and administrative details required and in April 2011 a launch event was held and the prospective membership voted to form BADA and appointed the board. Coincident with that decision, the Air Displays Association (Europe) disbanded and its committee confirmed its support for the new Association, encouraging its membership to join BADA.
Objectives
- Through a Code of Practice, promote safety and professional standards throughout the air display community.
- To be the national representative association for all matters relating to the British Air Display community.
- To encourage high standards of performance for Air Display organisers, Display Directors, Flying Control Committees and Participants.
- To provide a forum for the exchange of information between members.
- To provide an interface between the civilian and military regulatory authorities and members.
- To provide a programme of training and mentoring for new members of the Air Display community.
- To maintain a liaison with other UK aviation related associations and organisations.
- To maintain a liaison with other international Air Display organisations.
- To promote the Air Display community to the media and the public and provide a focal point for information, discussion and informed comment.
- To be a focal point for expert advice on Air Display matters.
- To provide subject matter experts on Air Display issues.
The Membership
Membership is open to all involved in the air display industry, whether as an individual or corporate body. The aim is to build a membership over time that encompasses all areas of the industry – display pilots, Flying Display Directors, Flying Control Committee members, air traffic controllers and air/ground operators, event organisers, dedicated enthusiasts and supporters, photographers and any others committed to the safe development of the air display community.
At the same time it is hoped to build relationships and affiliations with the UK CAA and MoD, the European Airshow Council and other national and international related associations with the aim of establishing BADA as the focal point for all UK air display-related business.
Code of Conduct
The Association has produced a Code of Practice which can be viewed by clicking here.
The BADA Awards
Each Year, the British Air Display Association recognises those who have made exceptional contributions or achievements within the airshow world. These are awarded at the BADA Annual General Meetings.
The BADA Trophy, sponsored by Hayward Aviation is awarded to an individual or organisation that demonstrates the aims of the association ‘To encourage, promote and advance Safety and Standards in British Air Displays’
The Miss Demeanour Trophy, Gifted by Jonathon Whaley, is for the year’s “unsung hero” – this can be an individual or organisation that ‘went the extra mile’ to deliver a display or event.
