Controller Aircraft

Controller Aircraft or Controller of Aircraft (CA) is a senior Royal Air Force appointment which has the responsible for releasing new military aircraft types into service. This is certified by a Controller Aircraft Release or CA Release which certifies the airworthiness of the type of aircraft. Although usually held by an RAF officer, several civil servants have held the post in the 20th century. The incumbent is a member of the Air Force Board.

History
Prior to 1953, the equivalent responsibilities were held by Controller of Supplies (Air). In 1971 the post was moved from the Ministry of Technology to the Ministry of Defence's Procurement Executive.

Controllers
The following officers have held the post:


 * 9 November 1953 Air Chief Marshal Sir John Baker
 * 1956 Air Chief Marshal Sir Claude Pelly
 * 1959 Sir George Gardner
 * 1963 Mr Morien Morgan
 * 1967 Air Marshal Sir Christopher Hartley
 * 1 September 1970 Air Marshal Sir Peter Fletcher
 * 1 June 1973 Air Chief Marshal Sir Neil Wheeler
 * 8 November 1975 Air Chief Marshal Sir Douglas Lowe
 * 1 January 1983 Air Chief Marshal Sir John Rogers
 * 20 January 1986 Air Marshal Sir David Harcourt-Smith
 * 1989 Mr D M Spiers
 * 1994 Air Marshal Sir Roger Austin
 * 1997 Air Marshal Sir Peter Norriss
 * 2000 Air Vice-Marshal B M Thornton
 * 2003 Air Vice-Marshal D N Williams
 * April 2004 Air Vice-Marshal S G G Dalton
 * 20 April 2006 Air Vice-Marshal S D Butler