Aetheris Avidi 'Eager for the Air'
Air Transport Auxiliary Association
WELCOME
The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) was a civilian organisation founded at the outbreak of the Second World War, primarily to ferry all types of aircraft from factories and maintenance units to frontline squadrons. The ATA was vital to the effectiveness and success of the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm throughout the war.
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The ATA Association has an active membership and is open to anyone with an interest in the ATA - new members are always welcome.
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THE ORGANISATION
The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) was a small yet hugely significant organisation: there were 1,246 aircrew, including 168 women (four flight engineers), who were recruited from more than 25 countries.
Men and women came from near and far to 'do their bit' for the ATA, ferrying everything from Tiger Moths to Sunderland Flying Boats, including Hurricanes, Mosquitos, Wellingtons and, of course, the iconic Spitfire.
ATA pilots flew without navigation instruments or radios, and were at the mercy of the ever changeable British weather. Overall, 173 lost their lives, 17 of whom were women.
THE ASSOCIATION
The ATA Association was set up after the Second World War to maintain valuable connections between the men and women who had served in the ATA.
Membership is now open to all supporters and those with an active interest or continued involvement in the ATA. The Association helps to preserve an archive of original material, and organises ATA-related events, meetings and talks for members.
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Join the Association today and help keep the ATA stories alive and significant for future generations.
ATA DURING WORLD WAR II
415,000+
HOURS FLOWN
164
WOMEN PILOTS
309,000+
AIRCRAFT DELIVERED
147
AIRCRAFT TYPES