Henry Alan Marsh

United Kingdom

 

1901-1950

Alan Marsh (he never used Henry) was a very experienced and capable flying instructor and test pilot in both autogiros and heicopters. He initially worked as a flying instructor and, during that period, he trained Juan de La Cierva to fly. He was subsequently employed by the Cierva Company as both a flying instructor and test pilot. He tested many different types of autogiros inluding those by Cierva, Weir and Pitcairn and helped develop many important techniques such as jump take-offs.

During World War II he commanded RAF No. 529 Squadron flyng Cierva C.30s as part of the Radio Servicing Unit, which helped to calibrate radar systems.

At one period, he was considered the most experienced rotorcraft pilot in the world.

He was killed in the crash of the Cierva Air Horse on June 13, 1950. The Royal Aeronautical Society of Great Britain has two awards in his name that are awarded annually.

 

Milestones associated with Henry Alan Marsh
December 8, 1948	First flight of the Cierva W.11 Air Horse