For more than 30 years, Francis, as Chief Engineer, headed the engineering resources for firstly the Popular Flying Association and then the Light Aircraft Association. In that time, he has in his own words ‘convinced the CAA of the merits’ of more than 3,000 aircraft, recommending their issue of permits to fly.  He has also overseen the engineering and handling reviews of around 200 different types.

Francis has overseen the amateur-built sector of aviation expanding almost tenfold, with new construction techniques, electronics and equipage undreamt of by the builders of the early wood and fabric. In addition, he enabled the transfer of an increasing number of historic light aircraft on to permits to fly, after demised manufacturers were no longer able to provide support for their continuing airworthiness.

A qualified design engineer, with previous experience in developing production aircraft such as the Edgeley Optica, Francis has an unmatched knowledge of the design and airworthiness of light aircraft of all eras as well as hands-on experience as a builder, restorer and pilot.  He first put his flying skills into practice at 14 on open cockpit Slingsby T.21 gliders and at age 25 gained his PPL on an old Auster, a basic non-radio taildragger. He was by then working at Old Sarum in Wiltshire on the unconventional Optica observation aircraft. He also managed to convince others of the merits of home-built aircraft, forming a syndicate to operate an Evans VP-2 and a Currie Wot. 

Even after more than three decades, Francis’ enthusiasm is undiminished working on everything from the latest high-tech types such as Ivan Shaw’s innovative ISA 160 Seeker design to the 1911 Waterbird, a replica of Britain’s first float plane. 

Francis stood down from his role as Chief Engineer of the LAA at the beginning of 2022, but has remained involved as a consultant, thus allowing the Association to have continued access to his encyclopaedic knowledge, backed by ‘real-world’ engineering and flight-testing expertise. It is hoped his knowhow will continue to benefit the recreational flying community for many years to come.

Francis has had awards before, but no-one has been more influential to the progress and development of light aircraft than any over the last 30+ years. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to General Aviation, Francis Donaldson is awarded the Sword of Honour.

1972/73  J C Ward Esq

1973/74  Gatwick ATC

1974/75  Edward Day Esq 

1976  not awarded

1976/77  Captain E Thurston

1977/78  R D Campbell Esq

1978/79  John H Blake Esq

1980  not awarded

1980/81  Giles Kershaw Esq

1981/82  H G Pattison Esq

1982/83  Dick Smith Esq

1983/84  The Royal Flying Doctors Service of Australia

1984/85  John Thorpe Esq

1986  not awarded

1986/87  Miss Eve Jackson

1988 - 1989   not awarded

1989/90  Captain J G Green

1991  not awarded

1991/92  Frank E Young Esq

1993   not awarded

1993/94  Hugh M Kendall Esq

1994/95  The Royal Queensland Aero Club

1996 - 1997   not awarded

1997/98  (Roland) Lovat Fraser Esq

1998/99  Brian Lecomber

1999/2000  David Ogilvy OBE

2000/01  AVM Bertrand 'John' Brownlow

2002   not awarded

2002/03  Government Flying Services of Hong Kong

2003/04  Captain David Staveley

2004/05  David William Jupp

2005/06  WO1 Ronald Jack Watkins

2007  - 2009   not awarded

2009/10  Paul Bonhomme

2010/11  David Hamilton

2011/12  Gerald Charles Hackemer

2012/13  Peter Moxham

2013/14  John and Martha King

2015   not awarded

2016  Frederick O Marsh Esq

2017  awarded twice:
      National Police Air Service
      Stephen Grey

2018   Gerry Hermer AFC

2019   not awarded

2020   General Aviation Safety Council (GASCo) Regional Safety Officers

2021   Stuart McKay

2022  Past Master Robert Pooley MBE

2023  Francis Donaldson FRAeS