Flying ace reaches new heights with MBE (From News Shopper)

Flying ace reaches new heights with MBE

3:02pm Monday 10th December 2007 in Bromley

A FORMER squadron leader has been made an MBE by the Queen in recognition of a lifetime of service to aviation.

Jock Maitland, 83, went to Buckingham Palace on November 30 to be presented with the award by the Queen after being named in her birthday honours list in June.

The Biggin Hill International Air Fair organiser took the opportunity to remind her majesty of a previous meeting.

In 1944, Princess Elizabeth visited Mildenhall airbase in Suffolk with her father King George VI.

Mr Maitland, who joined the air force in 1942, was serving at the airbase at the time of the visit.

He said: "I am proud and delighted to be honoured by the Queen in this way."

The award recognises his work promoting flying among young people through the air fair.

Mr Maitland will be presiding at the 46th air fair at Biggin Hill airport on June 7 and June 8 next year.