Born in Edinburgh in 1946, Commander Ian Stanley joined the Royal Navy in 1963 to undertake a Naval Engineering Apprenticeship. Selected for Pilot training, he joined BRNC Dartmouth in 1967 and commenced flying training that September. He flew Chipmunks trainers before moving onto helicopters, flying the Hiller HT2, Whirlwind 7 and finally the Wessex HAS 1. His first operational job was in 1969 as second pilot flying the Wessex HAS 1 of HMS LONDON.

Throughout his aviation career he flew the following helicopters in various Appointments: Wessex HAS3, Whirlwind 9, Hiller HT2, Whirlwind 7, Gazelle, Wasp HAS1, Wessex 31B, Bell UH1B, Bell Jetranger, Wessex 5, and SeakingHAS2/5. He also flew the Jetstream 31 twin turbo prop. His appointments varied from flying instructor at Culdrose Naval Air Station and with the Royal Australian Navy in Nowra NSW, Flight Commander of a Wasp Flight in HMS AJAX, Senior Pilot of 771 Naval Air Squadron, Flight Commander, HMS ANTRIM flight, and Commanding Officer 706 Squadron 1983-85. On promotion to Commander in 1986, there followed an Aviation Management appointment primarily responsible for the operational capability of Naval Helicopters. He also served in the NATO Maritime Tactical School as one of the teaching staff.

He was the Aviation Commander of the Royal Naval Air Station at Portland (91/92) and, subsequently, HMS ARK ROYAL (93-95) during the Balkan conflict providing Sea Harrier support to the operation. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1999 and then flew Naval Jetstream aircraft as a civilian until 2003.

He served in the Falklands conflict flying the Wessex 3 of HMS ANTRIM and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his flight’s contribution to the retaking of South Georgia. As a Commander, he also served on the Staff of the Joint Force commander in the first Gulf War, being part of the advanced staff during the retaking of Kuwait.