Brackley man awarded MBE for services to aviation

Peter James Stratten, aged 59, who retired from the RAF after 25 years has been awarded the honour for services to aviation.

Over a long career with the RAF Mr Stratten became one of their most experienced glider pilots and instructors, and trained a countless number of air cadets and RAF personnel.

Mr Stratten said: "It's very humbling isn't it. You do what you do because it needs doing. It's very suprising and humbling of course."

On retirement from the RAF, he took on the role of CEO of the British Gliding Association (BGA), the body that oversees all aspects of civilian gliding in the UK.

He has worked extensively to revamp UK Junior Gliding, supporting gliding clubs to increase their accessibility to younger people and change the perception of gliding as a fun and collaborative, team-player sport.

He added: "It's a team effort. There is a huge number of volunteers that make it all work."

He has worked collaboratively with other aviation bodies to encourage financial and non-financial support to young gliders, particularly those from less-advantaged backgrounds.

Mr Stratten recently initiated a programme of work to provide free aviation career advice to the young gliders, which is already organised on a less formal basis. He has also ensured that the BGA plays a prominent role in national and regional STEM events, university fairs and provides support to gliding clubs formed within educational institutions. He was appointed as the CAA’s official representative to various EASA working groups to ensure the interests of UK GA are protected.

Mr Stratten is also a member, instructor and tow plane pilot with the Banbury Gliding Club.