Ranald Porteous

Ranald Porteous – Auster’s Remarkable Test and Display Pilot

I almost wrote “renowned” in this title, but Ranald Logan Porteous is not well known outside of that small group of enthusiasts who operate and restore Auster aircraft. Another circle of admirers can be found among those who cherish and fly aircraft such as Chilton, Miles and Beagle but I think you will agree - that’s still quite a small circle.

His name is not as recognised as some of his era; Neil Williams, Eric Brown, John Derry and Neville Duke to name a few. But he was one of them, displayed with them at Farnborough, Paris and many other airshows, and left an indelible mark on those who met him and watched his displays.

Ranald’s trademark one-wheel landing in the Auster Aiglet at Farnborough

If “renowned” is to be attached to his name then it is for “The Porteous Loop” a manoeuvre he performed while displaying the Auster Aiglet at Farnborough. The full story of this manoeuvre and the origins of the name are told by Ranald in the text below.

After reading his memoir I think you will agree that he was a “remarkable” pilot with a talent for writing. Perhaps it was his preference for what he affectionately calls “personal flying” that kept him off the “renowned” list but that in no way diminishes his status – especially among those who relish that same personal flying which he eloquently describes in this memoir.

Born in Edinburgh in 1916 Ranald Porteous made grades that opened doors to university but in 1934 he enrolled at De Havilland’s Technical School on Stag’s Lane – that incubator of so many great aviation careers. The opportunity to fly while paying the student rate of one pound an hour at the London Aeroplane Club was irresistible and he was soon a licensed pilot. In those last few years of peace the young Porteous flew as often as possible, landing a job with Phillips & Powis (later Miles Aircraft) as a test pilot and junior instructor.

The war years found him instructing with the RAF in England before being posted to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1941, where the Empire Air Training Scheme was turning out pilots for the war effort. By war’s end he was head of the Air Examination Board.

Post-war Ranald was back in the UK, working as a charter pilot and throwing himself into the air-race scene, notably with his favourite aeroplane – The Chilton SV – and setting records.  In 1948 he joined Auster Aircraft Ltd as Sales Representative and Chief Test Pilot and for the next twenty years would fly and market the products of this Leicestershire based company as they attempted to turn their war-time success into global success in the light aircraft, or as Ranald might put it – personal flying – market.

But it’s best that Ranald himself tells the story – which he does here with wit, modesty and undoubtedly a passion for flying that never left him until his death in 1998 in Ayr, Scotland.

The following text “Memory is a Corridor – (lined with distorting mirrors)” was first published in “More Tails of the Fifties” an anthology of aviation memories compiled and edited by Peter G. Campbell. Thank you to the Porteous family for their permission to re-publish it here on the IAC website. Thank you also to Bruce Porteous for supplying several of the photos. The only modification to the original text is the inclusion of some sub-headings and photos. Kerry Skyring 26/03/2025.

Ranald Porteous - Memory is a Corridor

Ron Neal remembers Ranald Porteous

The name of Ron Neal is also indelibly associated with Auster and Beagle aircraft. Joining Auster at Rearsby as an apprentice in 1956 he is still active in the International Auster Club, providing invaluable technical advice to owners and operators almost seventy years later. He knew Ranald and flew with him on many occasions. In this memoir he recalls incidents and international flights with Ranald, illuminating this remarkable personality, and the era of the Auster.

Ranald Porteous -Ron Neal Remembers