High achiever

SOARING success . . . Steve Kilroy with the prestigious 504 Trophy, next to a photo of aircraft pioneer AV Roe

Award propels Steve to the top

CHADDERTON man Steve Kilroy has been awarded the AVRO 504 Trophy for outstanding achievement in aviation.

It was presented at a reception hosted by BAE Systems in the Midland Hotel, Manchester.

A unique part of aviation heritage in Oldham, the Avro 504 Club is generally considered to be the most exclusive aviation club in the world and the annual reunion dinner has been held in unbroken succession since 1952.

The award is made annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in aviation.

Steve (48) who is married with two daughters, is currently head of business integration for large aircraft in Chadderton, and was also awarded life membership of the Avro 504 Club.

In 1913 A V Roe, with Roy Chadwick’s assistance, designed the Avro 504, and all the founder members of the Avro 504 Club were involved in its production. Roy Chadwick designed the world-famous Lancaster bomber, made at the A V Roe factory in Greengate, Chadderton which later became the BAE site.

There are currently just over 50 members.

Steve started his aviation career with British Aerospace (now BAE Systems) in 1978.

Proud Steve said: “I am extremely honoured. My father Fred worked for 35 years in this business and he would be extremely proud.”