Cyril Frank Uwins OBE, AFC, FRAeS was a British test pilot who worked for Bristol Aeroplane Company, where he made the first flight of 58 types of aircraft.
13 Facts About Cyril Uwins
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Cyril Uwins eventually became the Deputy Chairman of Bristol Aircraft.
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Cyril Uwins was Chairman of the Society of British Aircraft Manufacturer between 1956 and 1958, and he was awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society silver medal for aeronautics.
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Cyril Uwins was born at 2 Carmichael Road, South Norwood, Croydon, on 2 August 1896, the eldest son of Frank Uwins, a wood broker, and his wife, Annie Henton.
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Cyril Uwins was educated at the Whitgift School, Croydon, where he developed an interest in kites.
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Cyril Uwins moved to No 5 Aircraft Acceptance Park, Filton, which started his association with Bristol Aeroplane Company, then officially referred to as the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company, Ltd.
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In 1918, during a ferry flight in a Morane-Parasol monoplane from Hounslow aerodrome to St Omer in France, the engine failed and in the ensuing crash Cyril Uwins broke his neck.
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Once he was out of hospital Cyril Uwins was judged medically unfit for active service, and on 25 October 1918 he was posted to the Bristol Aeroplane Company's works at Filton to succeed Captain Joseph Hammond who had been killed flying an American-built Bristol fighter.
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Cyril Uwins was awarded the Britannia Trophy for this achievement.
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Cyril Uwins was awarded the AFC in 1937 and appointed OBE in 1943.
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Cyril Uwins's nickname, "Papa" Uwins, is an indication of the affection and respect with which he was regarded.
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Cyril Uwins made the first flight of every Bristol type up to the Type 170 Bristol Freighter, and in all made the first flight of 58 prototype aircraft, achieving this without any major accident, although not without several close shaves.
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Cyril Uwins ended his career as Deputy Chairman of the company.