How did you get into the aviation business?
I’ve always loved flying. From the first time I set foot in a cockpit I knew that was where I wanted to be. After graduating from the University of Wales, Bangor, with a degree in computer science and business, I travelled to Florida and completed a European Joint Aviation Authority integrated ab initio pilot course, flying over the sun-drenched orange groves. This led to the start of career as a commercial pilot working for British Airways and Monarch Airlines.
Tell us about your career to date
After I earned my air transport pilots licence (ATPL) I spent five years flying for British Airways CitiExpress, before moving to Monarch for two years. I then returned to BA, flying long-haul routes across the globe. Unfortunately, just eight months into my long-haul career I was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes. It was a crushing blow when I had to leave a job I had worked so hard for.
However leaving the aviation industry never crossed my mind and in June 2008 I began working for Oxford Aviation Academy as its chief multipilot instructor. I stayed with Oxford for a further two-and-a-half years, rising up the ranks to become head of training development and resources, and finally general manager of training and operations. I then joined CAE to lead the Global Academy as operations director, until the end of 2012.
Following this I worked as a consultant for two years for my own business, Cooper Aviation, before joining Airways Aviation in 2015 as general manager and head of training.
Atlantic Airways
What are the major challenges facing the training industry?
The pilot shortage is a genuine issue and it’s time we faced up to it. The regional airlines are starting to feel the pinch as their pilots move to the long-haul carriers and there are simply no trained pilots ready to step into the vacant roles.
The cost of pilot training is a real barrier to entry. Coupled with a lack of airline investment in ab initio training – and the reluctance of the UK government to remove VAT from training – it’s a significant hurdle that we need to address. The pay-to-fly model is another issue that must be tackled. Flying endless hours over the same strip of land is not going to improve a pilot’s ability and skill and, if anything, it’s compromising safety.
This is an exciting time for Airways Aviation. We’re rapidly expanding worldwide and forming key industry partnerships that are going to open doors for the next generation of pilots. We’re investing heavily in first-class training facilities, with our move to Oxford, where our new headquarters and UK training facility will be based, and our new EASA fair weather base in Huesca, Spain.
We’re also opening more Foundation Schools across the globe, which form part of Airways’ unique ground-based training model. Potential cadets can undertake initial training close to home and discover if a career in the skies is right for them, before committing to training. All of our activities aim to ensure that our cadets have an outstanding experience.
What have been the memorable moments of your career?
There have been a few, especially when your job is flying a Boeing 767 to far-flung shores. One of my favourite experiences was having my dad in the jumpseat of a Bombardier Dash 8 when I flew for BA CitiExpress (pre-9/11 terrorist attacks). Being able to share that view of the horizon from the cockpit window with your family is pretty special.
You work in a very competitive market. What sets your company apart from the competition?
We live and breathe aviation and understand the career journey that cadet pilots are embarking on. Airways’ organisation is structured to be responsive to them, with small class sizes and a cadet-focused approach. Our unique global training pathway starts with foundation schools and takes cadets all the way through to type training and high performance jet experience in our Beechcraft Premier 1 business jet. We care that our cadets graduate industry ready, trained above and beyond necessary regulations. So if it means hours flying upside-down teaching proper recovery techniques, then our instructors will happily do it.
Source: Flight International
