About Us
Ian Black
Ian Black is a former RAF fighter pilot and the driving force behind Callsign Collective.
Ian Black is a former RAF fighter pilot and the driving force behind this project. A veteran of the Phantom, Lightning and Tornado, he flew operational missions during the Gulf conflict and beyond, before going on to become a long-haul Captain with Virgin Atlantic.
A neat bit of symmetry: Ian’s father was among the first RAF pilots to fly the Lightning - Ian would go on to be one of the last.
Alongside aviation, photography has long been a serious pursuit. His work has featured on the front pages of national newspapers and in international publications, as well as on commercial projects for brands and major events. Ian has produced several books under Firestreak Books including 4 volumes on the Lightning. He is also the voice behind the Callsign Collective newsletters and the P1B project, bringing his experience to life through sharp, first-hand storytelling.
With Callsign Collective we tie it all together, the history of the aircraft, the tales from the cockpit and the clothing to complement each incredible flying machine...We hope you enjoy being a part of the community we're creating!
Every Iconic Aircraft
has a story.
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We're here to tell it
Subscribe to our newsletter for an all access pass to real stories, legendary pilots and the evolution of flight through the eyes of those who've lived it.
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Clothing to compliment
Simple, well-made pieces rooted in real aviation history - each design drawn from aircraft, crews and moments worth keeping.
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The community
There's also a community building around it. People who follow the projects, read the stories, and care about the history behind them. We're always keen to hear from those who take an interest.
