David Burns Becomes a Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots

Our co-founder David Burns has been clothed in the livery of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, becoming a Liveryman at the Company's Trophies and Awards Banquet at Guildhall in the City of London.

A short history

The Company began in 1929 as the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators. It was set up so that the pilots and navigators of a young industry would be recognised as true professionals. In 1956 it became a livery company of the City of London, and in 2014 it received a Royal Charter and its new name, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, presented by Prince Philip at a banquet in Guildhall. Its motto is Per Caelum Via Nostra: "Our way is by the heavens".

Today the Company works for the highest standards of air safety and airmanship, and supports pilots throughout their careers, including through flying scholarships. Unusually for a livery company, it has active regions in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and North America. Every October, its Trophies and Awards Banquet at Guildhall recognises outstanding achievement across aviation.

What is a Liveryman?

Livery companies grew out of the trade guilds of medieval London, and "livery" originally meant the distinctive clothing their members wore. New members join as Freemen, and must also hold the Freedom of the City of London. Becoming a Liveryman means full membership of the Company, and the moment is still marked by being "clothed in the livery", with a livery gown placed on the new Liveryman's shoulders. Liverymen also take part in the life of the City, including voting at Common Hall in Guildhall to elect the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs.

David has been part of the Company for several years, most recently as an Upper Freeman. The Air Pilots' work on scholarships and on opening up careers in aviation sits right alongside why we started FLYER: our watches support flying and gliding scholarships.

Congratulations, David.

Explore our aviation watches, designed by pilots and supporting flying scholarships.