The Auster

The tough light aircraft which was for many years the eyes of the army

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Developed from an American aircraft design, the Auster became one of the longest serving light aircraft in British military history. After the beginning of the Second World War, the Auster was adopted as a flying Air Observation Post (AOP) to be flown by officers of the Royal Artillery in order to direct artillery fire. The Auster was operational with twelve Royal Air Force (RAF) AOP squadrons and was also used by similar units of other nations. After the war the AOP squadrons were absorbed into the Army Air Corps.

The Auster was modified for a variety of other uses, including an air ambulance and mail carrier and was also one of the early light private aircraft used for pleasure and displays.

As President of the International Auster Club and an experienced pilot, Peter Gill is well qualified to tell the inside story of this remarkable plane.