In 1996, my wife was given the original copy of this document, "History of Bristol Flying School", by a retired lady, Mrs. Hayes, who then lived in Kenmore Crescent, Filton Park, Bristol. Mrs. Hayes knew that I was a long-time employee of British Aerospace (and formerly British Aircraft Corporation), and that I had an interest in aircraft and the aircraft industry.

Mrs. Hayes' late husband LESLIE CHARLES HAYES worked for the Bristol Aeroplane Company, and then British Aircraft Corporation from the age of 16 until he retired at 63. He started in the Cost Office, becoming "Cpt. Uwins' p.a.", and ended his career "on the financial side of Concorde". He was involved with the Flying School at least during its period at Perdiswell Hall, Worcester. After retirement, Mr. Hayes was the Treasurer of the Northavon branch of the Muscular Dystrophy charity.

Mr. Hayes wrote this account of the Filton Flying School some time after 1953, and I decided that the faintly-typed manuscript should be lodged for posterity in the archive of the Bristol Aero Collection. Additionally, I have word-processed the document to enable me to circulate copies to those listed below. I have made no changes to the layout or punctuation.

Geoff Lonsdale (BAC Team member)
3 August 1997