Guy Bartlett

Location: Maidstone, Kent
About me...

I’m an aviation historian and trainer with significant experience of public speaking. My talks for groups are guaranteed to add extra sparkle to your club meeting or event. I use archive film footage, technology, music, humour and a genuine enthusiasm for my subject to provide a fascinating insight into mainly aviation-related topics. I have been providing entertaining, absorbing, talks for over 8 years.

Please visit my website www.guyinthesky.co.uk for the most up-to-date information about my availability. I get booked up a long way in advance.

About my talks...

My talks are designed to be of interest to everyone whether they have a passion for aircraft or not. They are delivered in an energetic manner and I am always keen to take questions at the end. I have given presentations to many groups including the Women’s Institute, Probus, ARA’s, U3A’s, History Societies, Rotary Clubs, Oddfellows, Retirement Venues, Adult Education and Community Groups. My enthusiasm is often commented upon and my inclusive style ensures something for all. A captivating and stimulating hour is always beyond doubt with GuyInTheSky.

I always use all my own equipment to provide detailed but easily accessible talks about some of the most iconic aircraft ever to have flown. The talks are suitable for all ages and sexes and last either for 45 or 60 minutes. The cost is the same. My hour presentations go into more detail. I require a blank wall or screen (wall preferred as I can project bigger images). I can travel across Kent, Essex, East Sussex and South East London.

I also offer virtual talks for groups, which are 100% Covid-19 safe. As these involve no travelling, groups anywhere in the UK, and beyond, can now experience the quality of my work.

Being a qualified teacher I am able to empathise with the audience and adjust my presentation on-the-fly. This ensures it is relevant and of interest to all. My fees start from £99 (plus travel expenses). If required, I can provide low-cost souvenirs as mementos of the event, including coasters and DVDs. Electronic lecture notes are available FOC. Please request them when booking. An entertaining delivery is guaranteed, or your money back. See my website for more details of my unique money-back guarantee.

Fee:

My fee is from £99 plus travel expenses at 50p a mile from my home town, Maidstone in Kent.

I offer face-to-face talks throughout Kent, Essex and East Sussex. If you are further afield you may wish to consider a Zoom talk for your group. All Zoom talks are £75 per hour and, of course, there are no travel expenses to add.

My Contact Details:
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Concorde - Icon of the Skies

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Concorde- Icon of the Skies

The fastest passenger aircraft of all time.

First flown in 1969, this iconic vehicle was ahead of its time in many ways.

Join me on a journey of discovery focused on this beautiful aircraft and learn new facts as I share my experience of supersonic flight with you.

It is amazing to think that those who first conceived the idea of an aircraft which flew faster than a bullet actually travelled to London to discuss their plans via steam train!

There will never be another aircraft like Concorde. The perfect synergy of technology and design.

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

Concorde - Supersonic Cover Up?

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Concorde - Supersonic Cover Up?

An Air France Concorde crashed shortly after take off from Charles De Gaulle airport in July 2000.

After an extensive investigation the world was told the cause was a strip of metal which had fallen from a DC-10 and burst one of Concorde’s tyres.

However, the truth is far more disturbing.

Using official crash investigation reports, a new theory has emerged.

This talk will explore what actually happened on that fateful day and why Concorde was really stopped from flying in 2003.

This talk will make you re-think what you thought you knew…

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

Concorde -The Betrayal of the Speedbird

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Concorde -The Betrayal of the Speedbird

Until the Paris crash, Concorde had a sparkling safety record.

The aircraft had flown over 40,000 flights (900,000 hours) without incident.

After the tragic events British Airways spent over £30,000,000 on safety modificationson their fleet of 7 aircraft. Within 18 months they were all permanently grounded.

This presentation looks at the REAL reason Concorde no longer flies, and what happened to those who made that decision.

Perhaps, all is not what it first appears?

New for 2024

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

The History of Stealth- State of the Art War Machines

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about The History of Stealth- State of the Art War Machines

Stealth aircraft are designed to avoid detection using a variety of technologies that reduce reflection/emission of radar, infrared, visible light, radio-frequency spectrum and audio, collectively known as stealth technology.

Development of stealth technology probably began in Germany during World War II.

Well known examples of U.S. stealth aircraft include the F-117 Nighthawk, the B-2 Spirit, the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.

This presentation explores the technologies used to create these state-of-art machines.

We also explore the future of stealth technology too.

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

Donald Campbell - Record Breaker

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Donald Campbell - Record Breaker

Donald Campbell was obsessed by speed. He was awarded a CBE in 1957.

He remains the only person to set both world land and water speed records
in the same year (1964). 


Do you know who Mr Whoppit is? You will find out this, and much more about this unique and very British icon.

Between them Donald Campbell and his father set 11 speed records on water and 10 on land.

The presentation includes information about the recently restored Bluebird hydroplane.

It tries to answer the question around what motivated this man to travel faster and faster…

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

The Space Race - Who Really Won?

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about The Space Race - Who Really Won?

Many people agree that the space race ended on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon for the first time.

But why did America spend $280 billion (when adjusted for inflation) over 13 years to get to the Moon?

This talk looks at the achievements of both the Soviet Union and America and answers the question, Who Won The Space Race?

It also explores the new space race, one which is funded by billionaires, such as Richard Branson and Elon Musk, and is only just beginning!

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

Avro Vulcan - The Delta Deterrent

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Avro Vulcan - The Delta Deterrent

Designed to drop a nuclear payload deep within Russia, this delta-winged aircraft together with the Victor and Valiant made up the UK V-Force.

Used by the RAF between 1956 – 1984 the Vulcan held the record for the longest bombing mission in history when the RAF, flying from Ascension Island, bombed the strategically important Argentinian-captured runway at Port Stanley on the Falkland Islands.

This talk explores all aspects of the aircraft and gives an insight into my work to help restore XH558 to flight.

Do you know why did each Vulcan carried a RAT?

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

The History of the Red Arrows

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about The History of the Red Arrows

Red Arrows pilots are amongst the most highly-qualified and experienced within the Royal Air Force.

During the display season the Red Arrows perform between 75-85 air displays and more than 100 fly-pasts.

Each pilot is hand-picked and only a very few will be given the privilege of representing the RAF both in the UK and abroad.

Their Hawk aircraft are essentially the same as those used by the Advanced Flying Training students at Royal Air Force Valley, with the exception of smoke generators and a slightly uprated engine.

Let me share some of their history with you.

My most popular presentation.

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

Operation Nimrod - The SAS in Action

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Operation Nimrod - The SAS in Action

The SAS assault, codenamed “Operation Nimrod”, was broadcast live on TV on the 5th May 1980.

It was viewed by millions of people, mostly in the UK, making it a defining moment in British history.

The BBC and ITV interrupted their programming to show the end of the siege.

Now discover the inside story of what lead up to the raid, how it almost went tragically wrong, and how it cemented the Special Air Service as the elite.

Note : For a small additional fee I can bring examples of weapons & equipment along to face-to-face meetings for you to examine.

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

Battle of Britain - Victory Against The Odds

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Battle of Britain - Victory Against The Odds

The iconic vision of Spitfires and Hurricanes battling to preserve our freedoms as they swept into action against German aircraft in the skies above southern England is an accurate one.

The Battle of Britain took place between July and October 1940.

The Germans began by attacking coastal targets and shipping in the Channel.

This presentation examines the aircraft, pilots and tactics used to ensure victory in the skies.

It offers a unique insight into the RAF, and how the outcome was almost very different.

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

The Dambusters - Barnes Wallis & 617 Squadron

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about The Dambusters - Barnes Wallis & 617 Squadron

Discover the skill and bravery of the crews of 19 Lancaster aircraft as well as the vision and determination of inventor Barnes Wallis.

Operation “Chastise” has become a legend in military history as it contains all the traditionally admired military attributes of originality, surprise and heroism coupled with a dramatic outcome.

Learn about the success and failures of one of the most daring raids of WWII.

Do you know the links this mission has with Herne Bay, or where you can still see the bouncing bombs?

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

How The 747 Got Its Hump

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about How The 747 Got Its Hump

The Boeing 747 took to the skies in 1969, less than a month before Concorde’s first test flight.

The 747 and Concorde are true aviation icons.

The 747 ‘Queen of the Skies’ was the first wide-body passenger jet and has evolved and developed over a production period lasting more than 50 years.

And, although Concorde and the 747 are physically very different, both are instantly recognisable in their own way.

Both have cemented their positions in the history of commercial aviation.

The aircraft that almost bankrupt Boeing!

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

Eat Your Carrots - The History of British Radar

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Eat Your Carrots - The History of British Radar

As Britain faced the threat of Nazi invasion it became clear our airforce was out-numbered 4:1.

The British Government turned to scientists for a solution.

They asked for a Death Ray – what they got was even more advantageous.

The story of how two unlikely men and a mathematical formula changed the tide of the war.

They say truth is stranger than fiction. Indeed, it was here.

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

Four Minute Warning - What Would Really Have Happened?

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Four Minute Warning - What Would Really Have Happened?

This talk explores the likely outcome of a limited tactical strike on the UK by Soviet forces during the Cold War.

It reviews the preparations the Government would have conducted, for example the construction of the ROTOR bunkers, and the Fylingdales early warning system.

It describes our defences, both naval and aerial.

I’m often asked, what would happen today.

The talk ends with a simulated nuclear attack.

Note : Content not suitable for all. Some people may find this presentation distressing.

The Pioneers - British Women in Aviation

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about The Pioneers - British Women in Aviation

This talk explores the contribution of British women in the world of aviation.

We explore the lives and stories of some aviation pioneers, omen such as the first fast-jet pilot in the RAF, the only female captain of Concorde and, more recently, the youngest female pilot to fly around the world.

An inspirational talk, highlighting the bravery and skill of British women through the years.

New for 2024. Book now!

Flying Past - The History of Aviation in Kent

Public Speaker Guy Bartlett from Maidstone in Kent talks about Flying Past - The History of Aviation in Kent

Maybe surprisingly, Kent has been at the forefront of aviation since the 1880’s.

This talk will explore the history of balloons, airships and aircraft in the county. It includes information about Kentish airfields past and present.

It gives suggestions for places of interest which you may like to visit.

This presentation offers something for everyone who has an interest in either Kent or aviation.

Why did Concorde fly from Kent?
Which famous aeronautical pioneers travelled from the USA to Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey?
Who are the 3 men depicted in the statue?

This talk provides the answers to the above questions, and many more.

It is recommended that event coordinators visit my website, www.guyinthesky.co.uk, to check availability before attempting to make a booking.

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