Donald Spiers

Sir Donald Maurice Spiers, Hon FRAeS (born 27 January 1934) is a British retired aeronautical engineer and administrator. He held a variety of posts in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and, after leaving the public sector, in private aviation companies. His roles included Controller Aircraft at the MOD and President of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Early life Born in Wimbledon, south west London, Spiers was educated at Raynes Park County Grammar School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he read Mechanical Sciences.

Career After graduating, he served an apprenticeship with the de Havilland Engine Company.

From 1967 to 1970 he was Scientific Adviser to the Far East Air Force, based in Singapore. Returning to England, he held a number of posts, including senior involvement in the projects for the Hawk, Jaguar and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft programmes.

Military service After National Service in the Royal Engineers, during which he was posted to Egypt with the 16th Parachute Brigade, He attained the rank of acting major and in 1966 received the Territorial Decoration for 12 years service.

Awards and honours Spiers was awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1966, was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1987 and knighted in 1993. In 1989 he was awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society Gold Medal.