A Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators Past Master’s Medal presented to Duncan M. S. Simpson, OBE, CEng FIMechE FRAeS, Master from 2002-2003, whose distinguished career in aviation bridged operational fighter flying and the experimental forefront of British aerospace. From early jet fighters, through the dramatic birth of the Harrier’s vertical flight regime, to overseeing the Hawk trainer’s entry into service, he had a lasting impact on aviation technology and pilot development. He also dedicated his later life to preserving aviation heritage and mentoring the next generation of pilots and engineers.
A Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators Past Master’s Medal, silver-gilt and enamels, 64mm x 76mm, the reverse inscribed “PAST MASTER’S MEDAL PRESENTED TO Duncan M S Simpson OBE / CEng FIMechE FRAeS / Master / 2002 - 2003”
Condition: Good Very Fine.
Duncan Simpson was born on 23 December 1927 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was educated at Merchiston Castle School, where a childhood fascination with aviation was sparked after seeing Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus. Upon leaving school in 1945, he attended the de Havilland Aeronautical Technical School at Hatfield, where he studied aircraft design and engineering and worked in the Experimental Department on aircraft such as the DH 108, Ghost, Vampire, Hornet, Mosquito and Dove.
Having completed his apprenticeship and technical training, he went on to join the RAF in 1949, flying Gloster Meteors with No. 222 Squadron, and in 1953 joined the Day Fighter Development Unit at the RAF’s Central Fighter Establishment.
Career as Test Pilot and Aerospace Engineer
In 1954 Duncan Simpson left the RAF to join Hawker Siddeley Aviation (initially Hawker) as a test pilot. He initially engaged in production testing of the Hunter and legacy jets, and gradually moved into development work. A key milestone was his involvement in the V/STOL (vertical/short take-off and landing) programme: he was the third pilot to fly the Hawker P.1127 in August 1962, the predecessor to the Harrier. On 27 December 1967, he piloted the first production Harrier GR1 (XV738), and in April 1969 he flew the first two-seat Harrier trainer (XW174). Six weeks later he ejected at low level due to engine failure, breaking his neck, but remarkably returned to flying within nine months.
In 1970 he became Chief Test Pilot for Hawker Siddeley and oversaw the development of the Hawk advanced trainer aircraft: its first flight occurred in August 1974 (XX154) and the Hawk entered RAF service in 1976, where it remains in use. After retiring from active test flying in 1978, Duncan Simpson served as Service Liaison for the Harrier and Hawk programmes and then as Deputy Director of the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) for some 15 years, managing major exhibitions including the Farnborough Air Show.
Simpson was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1973. He was a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), as well as a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE). His lifetime achievements in aviation were recognised by awards such as the Air League’s Founders Medal and the Guild Award of Honour for his outstanding contribution to aviation. After retirement he remained involved in historic aviation preservation; he was a founding member of the Historic Aircraft Association (HAA), and served as President of the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.
He died on 5 December 2017 at the age of 89.
