Aviation Advisory Board Members

Captain George Capon

GAAB Chairman – Independent

George started his flying career in 1976, joining the Air Training Corps and Commanding a VGS for 12 years, initially learning to fly at Southend, he obtained his ATPL ,latterly flying as a Captain on the A340 and A330. Never forgetting the grass roots of aviation he has continuously held  CAA and FAA instructor single and multi engine ratings since 1988 and an examiner rating since 2011.

He has had various flight safety, H&S, Human Factors, Training and Procurement roles  in Gliding, General Aviation and Commercial Air Transport.

Adrian Fountain

GAAB Vice-Chair – Independent

Joined Royal Air Force on leaving 6th form as electronics engineer working on radar and missile systems. Transferred later and graduated as a flight engineer, completing operational and instructional tours on C130 and L1011. 2004 gained PPL. 2006 left Royal Air Force and joined a test evaluation Sqn at MoD Boscombe down, completing many varied trials on multiple aircraft types, including air to air refuelling, glass cockpit upgrades and aircraft certification activities. 2017 Aeromedical Survival Training Centre MoD Boscombe Down. Responsible for delivery of aircrew maritime survival, Human Factors, CRM, Aviation Medicine training to civilian and military aircrew, flight test engineers. From 2004 to date has remained current in General Aviation and active within the local club being the flight safety representative.

Pete Allum

Independent (Skydiving)

Peter Barker

Helicopter Club of Great Britain

Peter graduated with a Master’s Degree in Engineering from The City University. His career in aviation commenced by being given employment in the Hawker Aircraft Ltd design office by Sir Sidney Camm.  Peter worked on P1127, Kestrel and Harrier systems design before moving to Dunsfold Aerodrome to work on Harrier weapons systems flight trials.

He retired from proper employment to form his own architectural design consultancy company which specialises in the relocation, conservation and conversion of ancient oak framed buildings – the hobby that grew – successfully enough to finance helicopter flying. Peter started flying helicopters in 1985, initially Enstrom and then successively, Gazelle, Bell 206 and Hughes 500.  He currently owns an Enstrom 280C which is based at home and regularly flies a Squirrel B3.

Peter flies extensively in Europe – as far south as the Greek Islands and East as far as Moscow, is an active member of the Helicopter Club of Great Britain.  He has competed historically and in the last two British Helicopter Championships and is an International Judge and a Liveryman of the Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators.

Peter enjoys none-flying activities including fly fishing, game shooting and scuba diving.

Ian Bishop

Independent (ATCO)

John Broad

Independent (Vintage Aircraft Club)

John’s first flight was in a De Havilland Dragon Rapide as a pleasure flight around Heathrow with his father paying 10 shillings each for his brother and him. You could say this was his first training on weight and balance calculations as they were both weighed and positioned in the aircraft to suit.

He joined the City of Oxford Sqn No 150 of the Air Training Corps, rising to the rank of Corporal. He cadged flights in Beverley’s from RAF Abingdon and a trip in a Piston Provost and DH Chipmunks plus ATC Camps around the country.  An opportunity to gain an ‘A’ and ‘B’ Gliding Licence with the ATC at RAF Hawkinge was fun and followed up with more gliding from Weston-on-the-Green with the Oxford Gliding Club.

Work involved an apprenticeship with Pressed Steel Co at Cowley followed by 38 years in all the incarnations of the motor industry on that site and at the Swindon plant specialising on Press Tooling.  A part time job, starting in the year 2000, as a technician in Jacobs Engineering working on bridges and structures has been concluded as with all the aviation work, he didn’t have time to go to work!  A concentrated course starting on the auspicious date of April 1st 1969 gained him his PPL (A) flying Cessna 152’s at Wycombe Air Centre.  Many trips around the UK and Europe with the touring group set up between the Pilots at the Air Centre proved educational and fun.  Other types flown include Piper Cubs, Chipmunk, Luscombe Silvaires and passenger in the Harvard plus some hours as Pilots Assistant in a Beech Kingair operating from Heathrow.

When the Flying Club rental price exceeded £2 per minute, John and a colleague bought an Aeronca Champion 7AC, which taught them both a huge amount about flying real aircraft.

Joining the Vintage Aircraft Club and eventually taking on its Chairmanship has allowed contacts with many superb airmen and craftsmen, although he has now resigned chairmanship of the Club.  As a member of the old PFA and the Oxford Strut, John joined the organising committee.  He also represents the VAC on various safety organisations and committees; CHIRP, GASCo, AIWG, etc.

John’s other interest is mainly motorcycling, especially vintage types and is a member of the VMCC, Ariel Owners Club, BMW Owners Club, Motorcycle Action Group and the British Motorcyclists Federation.

Rob Buckley

Chair, CHIRP Drone/UAS Advisory Board

Rob was elected in 2011 as secretary of the UK Large Model Association, and since 2015 has worked with the UK DfT, CAA and the other UK model flying associations to steer and define the national implementation of model flying regulation under the EASA unmanned aircraft rules. He also sits on several CAA working groups representing the interests of model aircraft flyers. In 2016, he was a founder member of the European Model Flying Union and is an executive board member. He started flying model aircraft in 1982, and has built and flown everything from free flight gliders to turbine powered aircraft but never really got on with helicopters. 

He trained as an aeronautical engineer, and since 1996 has worked on the design, airworthiness and certification of balloons, airships, light aircraft, airliners and both large and small unmanned aircraft platforms as a chartered mechanical engineer. He additionally brings experience of the identification and mitigation of human factors and human error in large aircraft maintenance. He gained a fixed wing PPL in 2018 and now has a share in a permit to fly vintage aircraft based at Compton Abbas.

Tony Butler

Independent (Skydiving)

John Carter

Independent (Skydiving)

Robert Curry

Independent (Pilot)

Rob Curry first started flying (in his head) aged about 5 whilst looking up at Concorde climbing out of Filton.  Then followed pretty much every model aircraft you can think of, Air Training Corps, a bit of gliding and University Air Squadron. After graduating, much to his surprise, with an Engineering degree, he was fortunate enough to find himself trusted with one of Her Majesty’s supersonic nuclear fighter-bombers and 20 years in the RAF flashed by, literally and metaphorically!

After the RAF, a ground tour as an Operations Analyst with Boeing resulted in an unhealthy interest in geeky maths before returning to the flying fold with gliding, as an Airprox Inspector and as CFI at a local flying school. Rob is a current CPL/FI/IRI and LAA member.

Rod Dean

Independent

Rod Dean joined the Royal Air Force is September 1962 and spent just over 21 years in the service.  During that period he was continually involved, after training, in flying on either operational squadrons or Operational Conversion Units/Tactical Weapons Units.  These included, on the Hunter, 43 Squadron in Aden, 229 OCU at RAF Chivenor and 208 Squadron in Bahrain. A further tour at Chivenor on 79 Squadron was followed by a tour at RAF Bruggen, Germany on the Jaguar.  After promotion to Squadron Leader, a posting to Brawdy as OC 79 Squadron completed his flying with the RAF.  His final tour before retiring from the RAF was on loan to the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force as a QFI flying the Jaguar and the Hunter.

In 1972 and 73 he was the Strike Command Hunter display pilot at RAF Chivenor when he flew some 50 public displays over the two seasons and was the winner of the first WD & HO Wills Solo Jet Display Trophy at the North Weald International Air Tattoo in 1972.  He left the service as a Squadron Leader and as a Qualified Flying Instructor and Qualified Weapons Instructor.

After leaving the RAF, Rod spent ten years as the Business Manager for a flight simulator training company followed by fifteen years with the Civil Aviation Authority.  When he left the CAA he was the Chief Executive Officer of Air Safety Support International, a wholly owned subsidiary of the CAA tasked with overseeing civil aviation regulation in the UK Overseas Territories.  Prior to this appointment he was the Head of the General Aviation Department.  He was, most recently, the Flight Operations Consultant (and Flying Display Director during the 2010 and 2012 Airshows) for Farnborough International Limited, the organisers of the Farnborough Airshow.  Rod is now the Flying Display Coordinator for a number of well know flying displays such as those at Blackpool and the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

He spent many years instructing on light general aviation aircraft and has been displaying civil aircraft since 1984 when he retired from the RAF.  Rod has flown a wide variety of World War II and immediate post-war piston fighters such as the Mustang, Corsair, Wildcat, Sea Fury, Bearcat, Hurricane, Harvard, Skyraider and, favorite of all, the Spitfire.  He has also flown a number of vintage jet aircraft such as the Meteor, Vampire, Venom, T33, F86 Sabre and, not surprisingly, the Hunter.  He continues to fly, and display, a variety of light aircraft such as the Slingsby T67M, the Harvard and Provost.

Captain Terry Eglinton

Independent (Flight Crew)

Terry started his aviation career as an engineer in the Royal Air Force for 10 years with a further 7 years in civvy street eventually ending up in a senior management role. At the same time Terry was flying privately and eventually became a professional helicopter pilot. His professional flying career was mainly with the police, air ambulance and offshore in the Southern North Sea. Initially flying the line Terry became a Training Captain and Safety Officer. Now retired Terry flies a Piper Cub for fun and going back to his engineering days he is building a Taylor Monoplane.

Toni Flint

Senior Inspector of Air Accidents (Human Factors) – AAIB

With a focus on human factors, Toni investigates accidents and serious incidents to enhance safety across commercial air transport, general aviation, uncrewed air systems, and space. Since joining the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) in 2018, she has worked to understand the relationship between human behaviour and safety, promoting improvements that help aviation people easily do the right thing.

Prior to AAIB, Toni gained 16 years of experience as a human factors specialist in road and rail transport and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors. She also chairs the human factors working group for the International Society of Air Safety Investigators.  A passionate pilot, Toni holds a Private Pilot License and flies regularly, combining her expertise in human factors with a love for aviation.

Tony Gee

British Gliding Association

On first getting airborne at age 14 in a Tiger Moth from a local farm strip, Tony switched from models to full-scale aviation. School was followed by 6 years at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough and the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine, specialising in instrumentation and homosapiens’ limitations.  A sojourn in higher education led to research and a Doctorate in (nanometric) measurement and control and his career thereafter embraced posts at Reading, Surrey and Cranfield Universities in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering with sabbaticals in USA and Brazil.

Having commenced gliding at Farnborough, he is one of a select few who soloed and learnt pilotage skills in its hallowed air. With 4000hrs logged, mostly powerless, on ~120 types (of which ~70 had no second seat), type-conversion assessment issues are particular interests, including effects of scale, span, human performance limitations and pre/post stall handling.

He holds the Gliding Gold Cert., a Full Category Instructor Rating, is Safety Officer for an RAFGSA Club and a BGA Regional Safety Officer. He has served on the BGA Safety Committee, represents it on the GASCo Council, advises Brunel U Flight Safety Lab and is a member of Royal Aeronautical Society GA Committee.

Academic interests continue in astro-instrumentation as a Senior Research Associate in the Dept of Physics and Astronomy, University College London.

Mike Gunston

British Balloon & Airship Club

On leaving grammar school in 1973, Mike joined NATS (as it was to become) as a trainee Air Traffic Control Officer. On graduation, he worked for NATS for 44 years as an ATCO at places diverse as Sumburgh (Shetland Isles), Glasgow, Manchester, London Heathrow and also, the area control unit at Swanwick.  A pilots licence for light aircraft came with the job and in 1990, Mike decided to try out hot air ballooning.

He has a current PPL for both Airplanes and Balloons and is on the main committee of the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC). Mike flies a Czech Airworks Sportcruiser to get from A to B, but if he fancies floating around, he uses his Cameron Z-90.

On the CHIRP GAAB panel, Mike represents ballooning but also contributes his knowledge of fixed wing and Air Traffic Control to the debate.

Scott Hadden

Independent

Scott was born in Fife, Scotland in 1973 and from a very early age wanted to become a commercial pilot.  However, after years of commitment to that path (he started flying at the age of 12), Scott made the difficult decision in 2001 not to pursue a flying career due to the post 9/11 employment landscape at that time.

He then joined NATS in 2002 to train as an Air Traffic Controller. After training, he was initially posted to LATCC West Drayton in Terminal Control which, in 2007, closed with the unit relocating to Swanwick in Hampshire.  Since then, he has worked on various projects within NATS such as the next generation Flight Data Processor, controller tools and workstation.

Scott has been a GATCO (Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers) member since 2002 and a GATCO Board member since 2012 in the role of Manager Recruitment and, more recently, Manager Benefits and Admin.  Scott is passionate about the future of Air Traffic Control from a professional and technological standpoint and hopes to make further contributions in these areas in the years to come.  He still flies for fun and is now a keen Instrument Rated GA pilot which gives him an exposure to ATC from ‘the other side’.  He is also a bit of a car nut and has a love for all things mechanical, especially those that are petrol powered!!

Scott is honoured to be on the CHIRP ATAB and GAAB and hopes that his experience and expertise can play a small part in the process of further advancing aviation safety.

Jane Hannick

Senior External Safety Specialist, NATS Safety Service

Martin Hill

Independent

David James

GA Unit, CAA

David started his career in aviation in 2018 having left a longstanding role in Employment Law. He obtained his FISO license in 2018 and gained validation at Coventry in 2019 where he has worked full time since. He is a member of the GAAB representing GATCO.

David gain this PPL(A) in 2015 learning in a Grob 115 for which he still has a soft spot! Since then he has flown a range of aircraft and finds himself mainly in the trusty PA28 owned by the club he is an active member of. He has flown aircraft all over the UK and recently started to venture into Europe, hoping to fly around the nordic countries.

To further his knowledge, he is hoping to complete his IR(R) soon and move into flight instructing, focussing on the LAPL and Class Ratings.

Paul Mahony

British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA)

Chris Mason

GA Unit, CAA

Chris has worked in the aviation industry since leaving school, gaining a wealth of experience covering a wide variety of aircraft and airport safety, security, operational and technical matters.  He has held senior and diverse roles with British Airways, Air Foyle/Antonov, SITA, European Regions Airline Association and currently the Civil Aviation Authority.

Throughout his career Chris has attained valuable experience and expertise in a vast array of aviation disciplines, including aircraft performance, airport inspections, cargo charter operations and navigation/aeronautical information management.  As a result Chris has travelled extensively both within Europe and Globally, sitting on various aviation safety and security consultative committees requiring liaison with numerous government and regulatory bodies including EASA, European Commission, ECAC, IATA and Eurocontrol.

In his current role at the Civil Aviation Authority he works within the General Aviation Unit combing two roles, working as a Flight Standards Officer with the Air Display team and as primary Subject Matter Expert within the Operations team investigating Mandatory Occurrence Reports and Alleged Breaches of Air Navigation Legislation.

In his spare time Chris is in the process of gaining his PPL, enjoys travel and plays badminton to league and national level.

Tom McCormack

Manager of Air Traffic Services

Tom joined the RAF at age 16 as a Halton Apprentice and graduated at BSc level in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He served in RAF for 11 years – travelling worldwide. Following the RAF, Tom had several very different careers that have gave him a wide range of knowledge of both technical and commercial topics. This includes: Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Military Communications, plus 40 years of business consulting and managing £ multimillion Business Change programs across a range of industries including Avionics, Defence and Global Aerospace manufacturing. Tom started flying gliders in the ATC age 13, and at 14, becoming a staff cadet at North Weald & Debden RAF GS. He gained his PPL via a scholarship at RAF Goose Bay Labrador, followed by 2 years of bush flying (on wheels, ski’s, floats and amphibians).

Tom has owned shares in several GA aircraft, the current aircraft being (a Piper PA32-300) since 1985. He gained IMC and NR in 1977 and CRI in 1999 – all still current. Tom has flown extensively around the UK, Europe and the world, for example: 3 x transatlantic crossings + trips to North Africa and Cyprus – and on business trips all over Europe. Tom is current on most SEP’s including 3 axis microlights, tailwheel and complex and is experienced in teaching pilots how to use GPS navigation products alongside tradition navigational techniques. He has approx 6400 hrs total PIC, including approx. 900 hrs IMC/IFR and 500hrs instructing. Covid excepted, Tom has been flying approx. 400 hrs per year over the last 4-5 years.

Simon Oldfield

Director, UK Airprox Board

Simon Oldfield is the current Director of the UK Airprox Board. He caught ‘the aviation bug’ at an early age and first learned to fly as a glider pilot with the then Air Cadets (now RAF Air Cadets). After a brief period in the insurance broking industry, he joined the Royal Air Force in November 1985 as an avionics technician. Working on and around aircraft, his desire to fly grew ever stronger and so he applied for officer training and was accepted into Initial Officer Training in November 1990 and then progressed to train as a navigator. Successful graduation from navigator training saw him posted to fly Tornado GR1 bombers in Germany and then onto the Tornado GR4. During his time flying this aircraft he saw operational service in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan and spent time as an instructor and standards evaluator on the Tornado Operational Conversion Unit and amassed around 2500 flying hours, including 3 years spent on exchange with the French Air Force flying the Mirage 2000D (although his French language skills have diminished somewhat since his return to the UK). Following a period as a military advisor to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, he returned to the Tornado GR4 in Scotland as a flight commander before being posted to the headquarters at RAF High Wycombe as a staff officer. Towards the end of his time in the Royal Air Force he was posted to the newly formed Royal Air Force Safety Centre as the Fast Jet Flight Safety subject matter expert. During this time, he developed a passion for the improvement of aviation safety and gained an MSc in Safety and Human Factors in Aviation from Cranfield University; he had his first exposure to the work of the UKAB as a Board member (associated with his primary role). This experience, coupled with the appeal of gaining a greater understanding into the influence of Human Factors in aviation, led him to seek employment with the UKAB at the end of his military career and he joined the UKAB Secretariat as an Inspector in November 2019, promoted to Senior Inspector in April 2021. Following the departure of his predecessor, he took on the role of Director UKAB in August 2022. His continued appetite for aviation has led him to commence his training for a Private Pilot’s License.

Andy Ormshaw

Independent (ATCO)

Andy Ormshaw is the Manager of Air Traffic Services and Airfield Accountable Manager at Cornwall Airport, Newquay. Andy joined Newquay in 2008 to transition the airfield/ATC from military operation – RAF St Mawgan – to a purely civil licensed airport. Previous to that he had been the Air Traffic and Safety Services Manager of Leeds Bradford International Airport.

Andy started his career in the RN, initially as a Seaman Officer, becoming a Fighter Controller and ATCO after his initial sea training. He qualified as a Civil ATCO before leaving the RN to start work at LBIA in 1995.  He retains a current ATC operational status, and after many years of being financially grounded by family commitments is attempting to regain his PPL. Andy joined Chirp in July 2021.

Captain Nigel Rhind

Independent (Pilot)

Dorothy Saul-Pooley

Master, Honourable Company of Air Pilots

Dorothy Saul-Pooley originally qualified as a Solicitor and worked in the City for several years before learning to fly.  She left the law in the early 1990s to gain a CPL (A) and Instructor Rating and worked as an instructor full-time for several years.  She then continued to instruct part-time whilst working as an Aviation Lawyer, finally reversing the balance in 1999 to instruct full-time on Instructor courses and act as a part-time aviation consultant.  Having successfully run FI courses at Shoreham for a number of years, Dorothy set up Pooleys Flying Instructor School in early 2005 to specialise solely in the training of Flying Instructors and Examiners.  The school held approval for Instructor and Examiner Refresher seminars. Dorothy sold the school in 2018 to concentrate on writing projects and independent consultancy and has continued to provide input to a successor company delivering instructor seminars.

In addition to holding an ATPL(A) and FIC/FIE ratings on aeroplanes, Dorothy is unique in holding a CPL(H) and is also qualified as a helicopter instructor.

Dorothy was the first Chairman of the Instructor sub-Committee and is also a past Chairman of the Education and Training Committee of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots (formerly known as GAPAN).  She has served on the Court of the Air Pilots since 2001 and was for many years on the Scholarship selection committee.  She has served on the Trophies and Awards Committee since 2007. Dorothy was installed as the Master of the Honourable Company on 17th March 2014 and when she completed her term of office, on 9th March 2015, was installed as the Immediate Past Master.

Dorothy is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Stationers, a director of Air Pilot Publishing Limited and a Court member of the Guild of Freemen.  In addition, Dorothy is the Founder and Chairman of the Professional Flying Instructor Association, the Governor of the British Section of the 99s, International Women Pilots Organisation, the founder and past Chairman of the Southern England (Concorde) chapter of Women in Aviation International and the author and editor of a number of training manuals.

Steve Slater

Independent (Pilot)

Stephen Slater, became Chief Executive officer of the Light Aircraft Association on 1st September 2015, working on behalf of around 7,500 members who operate over 4,000 sport aircraft and retired from the role in 2023.

Stephen joined the Association from a successful career in PR and marketing communications where he ran a leading agency working in sectors including aviation, the motor industry and tourism, both in the UK and in Asia.  He was for 15 years ‘the voice of Formula One’ in the Far East, working as commentator with the Singapore-based Star Sports TV channel.  He was also part of the team which created the Singapore Grand Prix, Formula One’s first-ever night race.

Stephen has been actively involved in the light aviation community for around 20 years, including spells as Chairman of the Vintage Aircraft Club and Vice-Chairman of the General Aviation Awareness Council.  His roots in flying go back to being a 14 year-old ‘hangar brat’ in the 1970s at the Middleton St. George Aero Club, at what is now Durham Tees Valley Airport, but like many he then spent time away from flying before returning when commitments allowed.

Stephen, who lives in Chesham in Buckinghamshire, owns and flies a Piper J-3 Cub based at Bicester and is co-owner and co-restorer of the ‘Biggles Biplane’, a replica 1914 BE-2c Royal Flying Corps observation biplane.

Dr. Peter Sowood

Aircraft Owners & Pilot Association

Peter joined the RAF in 1976 and, after tours at RAF Coningsby as Unit Medical Officer and at the RAF Aviation Medical Training Centre at North Luffenham as an instructor, he spent the rest of his career at the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine at Farnborough.  He became an RAF Consultant in Aviation Medicine in 1988 and specialised in research around protection from hot and cold environments, sea survival and under water escape from helicopters.  The second phase of his career was in clinical research for the pharmaceutical industry in various senior roles although he maintained a strong interest in aviation. Now semi-retired Peter regularly flies his Piper Archer III from Denham and has an IR(R) and NR.”

Mike Stanway

Independent (Pilot)

Mike started his flying as a Staff Cadet at No 12 AEF at Turnhouse (Edinburgh) and also obtained his PPL via a Flying Scholarship during this time.  He joined the RAF from school and flew assorted types almost all of which are now in museums!  His RAF flying included 10 years on Tornado GR1/1a and 5 years as Officer Commanding Wales University Air Squadron on Bulldog and Tutor; he was also one of the RAF representatives on the UKAB for some years.  After leaving the Service he was ‘persuaded’ by his Son to gain his civilian FI rating.  Mike also serves as Flying Display Director for the RAF Cosford Airshow and holds a A/G RT licence for comms at smaller display events.

Rob Taylor

Independent

Rob Taylor has been an SEP (A) PPL holder since August 2004 and has logged just under 900 hours total time in fixed wing aircraft. He currently holds a class rating instructor rating, night rating, and plans to add an IR(R) rating when time allows. His passion for aviation started when he was at primary school where he would pretend to be a fast jet and take off with his arms stretched before being swept back for high-speed flight. A few years later, he progressed to ‘flying’ a beautifully made metal Spitfire attached to the end of a length of string, which was lost to centrifugal forces when a knot failure caused it to detach. It was an important first lesson in flight safety.

Rob started his career working for a firm of accountants where he discovered an interest in computer audit. He qualified as a Certified Information Systems Auditor and joined Standard Chartered Bank travelling throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia, reviewing IT security and operations. After a short time with Citigroup, Rob joined Swiss Re as a technology auditor but was quickly seconded to the Chief Risk Officer to resolve critical problems he found with their payment systems. Building upon the success of this assignment, Rob undertook further challenges identifying root causes of highprofile problems with data and processes throughout the company and managing their resolution. He left Swiss Re in 2018 for his most challenging role as Head of Offspring Development with responsibility for his son’s journey into primary school. Outside the school-run hours, Rob now offers consultancy services to businesses covering the full scope of his experience and creates digital animations and media.

Simon Tilling

The Light Aircraft Association – CEO

Alec Trevett

Independent (Pilot)

Alec started gliding with the Air Training Corps at South Cerney in Slingsby Cadet MkIII and Sedbergh T21 – solo’d at 16. Started powered flying initially as a hobby and then became a weekend flying instructor, teaching PPL, aerobatic, tailwheel and IMC Rating. Spent 30 years in the Royal Air Force as a Fighter Controller followed by 10 years with the Civil Aviation Authority Safety Regulation Group and CAA International working in Kuwait, UAE, Brunei and European States. Latterly served as Global Safety Manager for a large integrated flight training provider with training locations in UK, USA, India, Australia and Europe – dealing with SMS development, safety training, safety reporting and occurrence investigations. Currently a CPL/IR SEP & MEP and active flight instructor and examiner.

Nick Wall

Independent (Pilot)

Nick Wall is an aviation journalist focusing mainly on safety issues. A former Editor of a wide range of GA aviation magazines, he is, and has been, both a GA and glider pilot for many years.

Glen Watson

Independent (Air Traffic Controller)

Glen started his aviation journey alongside his science teaching career in 2011, completing his PPL(A) followed shortly after by a CPL(A) and instructor rating. In 2017, realising the pull of aviation was too great, Glen was successful in being selected by NATS as an Air Traffic Controller cadet and completed his training in Aerodrome & Approach Surveillance control before being posted to Heathrow Air Traffic Control Tower in 2018 where he has remained since providing aerodrome control, on the job instruction, tower supervisor, and examining duties. 

Continuing to fly and instruct around his shift work, Glen completed his multi engine rating and instrument rating in 2024. He is also returning to his MSc Human Factors in Aviation degree and hopes to be able to continue contributing to aviation safety as a member of the Advisory Board.  

Chris Yates

Independent (ATCO)

Nicola Walker

CCAB Chair, Independent (Cabin Crew)

I started flying career in MAN for airtours International in 1996-2003, qualified on various aircraft types including A320/321 7A330, B757/B767 and worked on the Air New Zealand damp less aircraft B747-200 for a year. Wanted to be based near to my home town of Leeds , joined Jet2 on the first Cabin Crew course and have been there ever since. 

I was promoted to Performance Trainer specializing in SEP/ Security& Dangerous Goods / Disruptive Passenger Training/  First Aid / Manual Handling, a role I loved and enjoyed for over ten year.

In 2016 I needed a challenge and was promoted to Cabin Standards Manager, which was a new role for the Cabin Services Department. During my time to date , I have developed key relationships with many departments including engineering, IFR and Cabin Safety. I play an integral part in implanting changes to our procedures and processes, which is driven from Audit data and Safety reports.

I manage a Team of Auditors, that takes a look at Cabin Services Operating Procedures, Training Facilities and Ground School Training, ensuring as a department, we are fully complaint with all our processes and procedures, aware of risk factors and maintain a safe working environment on board our aircraft.

Dale Hyde-Douglas

CCAB Vice-Chair, Independent (Cabin Crew)

Dale has been working in the aviation industry since 2003, most of which has been spent at Jet2. Dale has worked as Cabin Crew, progressing through to being Senior Cabin Crew and Cabin Safety Trainer, he also spent time at British Airways as Customer Service Manager and has operated on a variety of long and short haul Boeing and Airbus Aircraft.

Dale is currently the Cabin Safety Manager at Jet2, working within the Safety & Compliance team at head office in Leeds. In this current role, Dale manages safety reporting to monitor trends to be able to create a risk picture for the business, which ultimately helps ensure a safer operation and environment for the crew and passengers. Dale ensures safety investigations are also conducted in accordance with the companies “Just Culture” and advises the business as subject matter expert where required.

Kirsty Arnold

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Kirsty’s experience includes being a SME for cabin/above wing which included operational and occupational safety for cabin crew, pilots and customers.  Kirsty’s role included SME safety lead for new aircraft entering service and retrofits – most recently the A350 and A330-900.  Kirsty was also SME for lithium-ion batteries within the cabin.  Kirsty lead investigations into significant safety incidents/accidents within cabin crew and flight operations.

Kirsty’s other roles include Cabin Crew Programme Manager at CHIRP (1996-2012) from its development into the current status following expansion from Flight Crew to include Cabin Crew, Engineers, ATCOs, General Aviation and eventually Maritime.  She was responsible for the CHIRP Cabin Crew programme from its inception until 2012. Was also the Secretariat for ICASS (International Confidential Aviation Security Systems) Group whilst at CHIRP.  Previously an In-flight Customer Experience Safety and Quality Partner at British Airways and flew as cabin crew on B747 and B777 aircraft (2012-2014).

Kirsty is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Flight Operations Group and am Chair of the Cabin Safety Specialist Group.  I am also a member of IOSH (Institution of Occupational Health and Safety).

Adele Bates

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Adele has been working in the aviation industry since 1995 and is experienced in a wide range of areas, including Scheduled, ACMI and VIP Airline Operations at Senior Level.

She has a proven ability working in both training and cabin crew management roles, setting up airline training and cabin service departments to EASA/UK CAA standards and, more recently, consultancy for new airline start-ups.

Working closely with safety and compliance management teams to maintain a safe working environment, she has a natural ability to create and promote positive and impactful change whilst continuing to build and maintain good relationships with colleagues through a genuine desire to understand their needs and support them.

Adele has experience of operating on the B737, B757, B767, B777, A320 types, BAe146, RJ85/100, ATR72 and training delivery of the B787 and Embraer E190. She holds both a UK and EASA attestation.

Jen Clifford

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Jen started her career in aviation in 1999 when she joined Monarch as cabin crew, operating on the B757, A320 and A300. She joined easyJet in 2001 and progressed through various roles including Cabin Crew Line Trainer, Crew Training Instructor and Training Duty Manager before moving into the Cabin Safety Department as a Cabin Safety Coordinator. In this role, Jen completed safety investigations, led policy changes relating to cabin crew operating procedures and administered the easyJet CSPM.
In 2021 Jen moved into the Flight Operations Assurance & Process department as Technical Publications Specialist, and as such was responsible for the coordination and administration of Flight Ops Manual updates, including OM Part A. In this role she gained a deeper understanding of aviation regulations as well as experience of wider airline operations, working closely with different functions and departments.
In October 2023, Jen re-joined the safety department as Cabin Safety Manager to lead the cabin safety team. She remains a qualified Cabin Manager, operating on easyJet’s A319, A320 and A321 fleet.

Claire Cook

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Claire has over 20 years’ experience in both Safety and Health within the travel industry, previously working for a UK Tour Operator responsible for the overseas safety auditing of hotels, transport and excursion providers and incident investigation for personal injury and illness claims. She has also worked within the Occupational Health team of an airline gaining travel health promotion and employee welfare knowledge and experience. Claire currently works as a Safety Specialist, where she manages the Safety Management System for incident reporting, safety investigations and data trend analysis; leads Safety Action Groups and promotes safety initiatives for Cabin.

Meghan Doyle

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Meghan started her aviation career in 2009 with Ryanair. Starting as a junior cabin crew and working her way up to Senior Cabin Crew, Meghan successfully progressed to Safety and Emergency Procedures Instructor in 2014. She then moved into the Inflight Safety Office as a Safety Administrator in 2017 and is currently the Inflight Safety and Security Manager. As part of this role, Meghan is responsible for safety reporting for cabin crew, completing inflight safety investigations, trend analysis and participates in safety risk assessments.

She also ensures that safety policies and just culture is promoted within the Inflight department. Meghan still holds an attestation and operates onboard regularly.

Richard Eynon

Independent (Cabin Crew)

After graduating with a bsc Biomedical Science degree from the University of Wales, Cardiff, Richard followed his ambition to become cabin crew and joined Emirates Airline in 2006. At Emirates, Richard was based in Dubai for nearly five years.  The ambition was to fly for a maximum of three years, but the industry addiction led to Richard staying longer and joining British Airways. Some fifteen years later, doesn’t time fly? 

Richard has experience of operating on the B777, B787, B747, A330, A340, A380 and A320 types.  During his time at British Airways, Richard was an SCCM, cabin crew trainer, recruiter and completed two secondments with one leading to a permanent role in the Cabin Safety Team.  Richard has been in the Cabin Safety team since 2016 and completed a NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and the CAA Cabin Inspector Theory course.  In the British Airways Cabin Safety team, Richard still holds an attestation and is licensed on the B777, B787 and A320 types and works with a team of Operational Safety Evaluators looking after the compliance oversight of SCCM line evaluations and cabin sops. 

n addition to compliance oversight, Richard also has experience investigating (actual and potential) incidents, completes risk assessments and is a member of the Cabin Safety Liaison Group (CSLG) – a group of Cabin Safety professionals from all UK operators.

Natasha Gilchrist

Inspecting Officer (Cabin Safety) UK Civil Aviation Authority

Natasha graduated from university with a BA hons in creative arts before starting her aviation career in 1998. She started flying as long haul cabin crew for British Airways, which she did for 7 years, this included a secondment to short haul before leaving aviation to train to be a teacher.

As soon as she left flying she realised how much she missed aviation’s unique environment and quickly returned. She flew as cabin crew for Flybe, where she stayed for 16 years. At Flybe she progressed to; senior cabin crew, cabin crew trainer and cabin standards manager, a role which involved creating and evaluating procedures, updating operations manuals, assessing risk within cabin operations, introducing new aircraft types, creating emergency response procedures and ensuring compliance to EASA and IOSA. Finally moving into the safety and compliance team, whilst remaining current crew. The move into safety and compliance gave her a broader knowledge of the operational environment including Flights Ops and Air Worthiness.

Since Flybe’s unfortunate end she had numerous roles including a first aid trainer for the British Red Cross and a temporary role at Flybe 2 as interim compliance manager (Air Ops) during the start-up period, assisting in gaining all necessary approvals and ensuring compliant procedures were in place before operations began.

She joined the CAA as cabin safety inspector in February 2022 where she provides regulatory oversight for a wide variety of operators, including long haul, short haul and business jet operators. This is achieved by conducting inspections and audits on process, training and operations.

Will Godwin

Independent (Flight Crew)

Having flown commercially for 12 years, Will is currently a 737 Captain based at BHX with Jet2.com. He is also an Army Reservist and in that role has worked in Flight Safety and Human Factors training. 

Carmel Good

Independent (Cabin Crew)

I joined the Aviation business in 1997, joining British Airways within their Customer Experience team, moving through various Ground Roles, including Flight and Load Control, I moved into the flying world in 2013 as a Crew Team Manager, leading a team of Customer Service Managers, during this time I gained my license to support my team onboard.  In 2020 I moved into Safety and Security for British Airways at Gatwick, then onto my current role in 2023 as Gatwick Cabin Safety Partner.

Joanne Green

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Jo has over 30 years’ experience in aviation in a wide range of areas from both Long and short haul and Corporate as Cabin crew with a progression into training in 1996. With experience in delivery and design of all ground subjects to both Pilots and Cabin Crew she set up her own training company JG Aviation in 2004, she continues to provide training along with the setting up of UK and worldwide AOC and is a quality Assurance framework accredited security provision Jo is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Flight Operations Group, the Cabin Safety Specialist Group and also the Cabin Safety liaison group. An experienced Peer support volunteer within the Aviation industry since 2021 to offer help to navigate the difficulties crew may encounter in work and personal life which can affect their mental wellbeing.

Captain Chris Hanson

CHIRP ATAB Chair – Independent (Flight Crew)

Chris has been flying professionally since 1985 and has worked in a management role in British Airways since 2004.  In the Royal Air Force, he flew, and trained pilots, on the Hawk and Tornado F3.  In British Airways he has gained type ratings on the Boeing 737, 757, 767,777 and 787, he also has instructor ratings and examiner authorisation on the B737, 777 and 787.

Chris’s main focus has always been the training of pilots; as a Flight Training Manager he was responsible for the management of training on the B777/787 and B737 fleets.  His management experience covered the fields of Quality, Technical and Training at both Heathrow and Gatwick and he has worked inter-departmentally within British Airways, across the airline industry as a whole, and with national and international regulatory bodies, including speaking at international training conferences.

Chris now works as a Training Standards Captain on the B777/787 fleet in British Airways, which he enjoys immensely.

Lezio Liotta

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Lezio started his aviation career in 2005 where he worked for Ryanair for nearly a decade and in a variety of roles including cabin crew, senior cabin crew and SEP Instructor.

He then spent a few years working for the startup FlyDubai, the Emirates sister company in the capacity of Cabin Safety Officer where he was responsible for the entire cabin safety area including regulatory manuals, liaison with the regulator, set up of IOSA, occurrence reports / investigation and some flying duties.

In 2016 he went to work for Virgin Atlantic as Manager Cabin Safety & Training and responsible for safety & emergency procedures on A330, A340, A350, B747 and B787, departmental compliance monitoring, risk assessments, cabin crew training, IOSA, occurrence reports and investigations. In this role Lezio was also a member of the Cabin Safety Liaison Group (CSLG), a group of UK and Irish AOC Heads of Crew Safety/Training, working together for best practice related to cabin safety and training.

Lezio joined the UK CAA in 2023 as Inspecting Officer, Airworthiness. In this role, he will work with DfT and EASA and support the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Programme (SAFA/SANA). 

John Lobo-Pires

Independent (Cabin Crew)

John joined Virgin Atlantic in 2001 as Cabin Crew and worked through the ranks to Flight Service Manager. In 2009 he became a Cabin Safety Training Instructor and since 2023 has been the Manager – Cabin Operations & Training. John is responsible for the Ops Manuals B and D, as well as standard operating and emergency procedures for A330, A350 and 787 aircraft. He is also responsible for departmental compliance monitoring, risk assessments, cabin crew training and safety investigations. John continues to fly online as a Flight Service Manager monthly so he is visible to the crew community.

Kris Major

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Kris has been flying as cabin crew for over 20 years and a workplace rep for over 16 years.  He started at bmi and progressed to Cabin Service Manager and was also a Cabin Safety Trainer.

Kris is currently a Cabin Service Director at British Airways.  He has a seat on the Cabin Crew Advisory Group and European Transport Federation, where his main function is to consider and offer opinion on issues affecting European commercial aviation. Recently, he has trained over 500 delegates on EASA Flight Time Limitations scheme and compiled 3 technical books and several courses, both National and International.

He values CHIRP as a vital tool in maintaining safe flying operations and considers his place on the Cabin Crew Advisory Board as one of the highlights of his career.

Wendy Nair

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Wendy started her Aviation career when she joined Monarch in 1997, over a period of 13 years Wendy operated on the A330, B757, A330, A320, A321 and B767. Wendy progressed to the position of Cabin Safety Instructor prior to leaving in 2010.

Wendy joined her current employer, AirTanker in 2012 whilst the operation was still in the start up phase. Over the last 10 years Wendy has introduced 14 A330 aircraft consisting of both civilian and military registered aircraft. Wendy still operates on the A330 and delivers all subjects relating to Cabin crew training. In addition as Cabin Standards Manager, Wendy holds responsibility for all processes and procedures relating to cabin safety.

Helena Roman Echevarria

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Helena started as Cabin Crew Member in Ryanair DAC in 2009 and became Senior Cabin Crew Member in 2014. In 2016 she became a Safety and Emergency Procedures Instructor, becoming a Safety and Emergency Procedures Examiner within the Company in 2018. At the end of 2019 Helena joined Laudamotion gmbh as Inflight Safety Officer and transferred to Vienna. In November 2020 she became Manager of Inflight Safety & Safety Training in Lauda Europe Ltd.

As Manager of Inflight Safety & Safety Training Helena participated on the set up of the Inflight Safety Office and the Inflight Training Department in Lauda Europe. Helena is responsible of the Safety Cabin Crew Reporting System, completing inflight safety investigations, trend analysis and participates in safety risk assessments. Helena ensures that safety policies and just culture is promoted within the Inflight Department. She’s also responsible for Cabin Crew Safety and Emergency Procedures Training and the Safety and Emergency Procedures Manual

Adam Rowland

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Adam started his aviation career in 1995 as ‘summer only’ cabin crew with Airtours International on its 757s flying out of Glasgow.   Along with his experience as cabin crew on larger jets he also operated as single crew on turboprops with British Airways franchise cityflyer Express at Gatwick on the ATR42 and 72, progressing to Line Trainer there.  Became Safety Training Manager at Astraeus during its start-up and growth from 2001 to 2006, flying regularly alongside his management responsibilities.  Joined Zoom Airlines in the same management role through its start-up and regulatory approvals to fly 767 aircraft, and operated as Cabin Manager. 

Adam then joined the UK CAA as a Cabin Safety Inspector in 2009.  After intensive training and rigorous CAA sign-off processes became a cabin safety inspector, undertaking inspections and audits on a wide range of UK operators, including the introduction of the 787 and A380 to UK AOC holders.  Represented the CAA on the cabin crew CHIRP programme, attended EASA rulemaking task groups and provided regulatory oversight of cabin operations of UK airlines flying Hajj contracts.  

In 2015, joined easyjet as Training Manager – Safety, Security & First Aid,  and has been responsible for developments in the airline’s training methodology and delivery.  Adam has extensive knowledge of EASA  CS25 and an understanding of Part M and Part 145 through aircraft delivery and into service checks, gained from both an operator’s and a regulator’s perspective.

Claire Simpson

UNITE Regional Manager (Cabin Crew)

Claire has worked within the Aviation Industry for over 25 years. First as Cabin Crew gaining valuable experience in the air before joining Unites predecessor unions.

Claire’s work over the years has seen her support cabin crew through the impacts of 9/11 and the recent pandemic as well as lobby for support for the aviation industry at these critical times.

Her work also has included supporting Unites Cabin Crew Advisory Group which has seen the group raise the profile of Toxic Air and support those cabin crew impacted by fume events.

The focus on safety and the critical role that cabin crew have in delivering this day to day is supported by the reporting mechanism provided by CHRIP and essential to safe flying operations.

Jane Unwin

Independent (Cabin Crew)

Jane’s aviation career began in 1988 when she was offered the job of Crewing Officer at a small charter airline, British Island Airways. At the time she knew nothing about what the role would involve, or where it would lead her, but it was the beginning of a 36 year journey. From BIA she moved to Dan Air, then to Caledonian and then to AML Gatwick (a combined operation of BA 777 pilots with Flying Colours Cabin Crew). In 2000 she was offered a job at Virgin Atlantic, and has been there ever since!

Jane’s roles have been predominantly crewing related, either on shift or in a supervisory role, but for the past 4 years at Virgin she has been working in the Fatigue Risk Management Team as a Senior Specialist. She was responsible for the introduction of EASA regulation into Virgin in 2015 and has been heavily involved in the compliance and regulatory side of her pilot/crew operation for all of her 24 years with the company. As part of her FRM Training remit she is also now a qualified HF Trainer.

Air Cdre Dai Whittingham FRAeS

CHIRP ATAB, Vice-Chair – Independent (Flight Crew)

Independent

Dai Whittingham joined the RAF as a pilot in 1974.  He flew Phantoms in the Air Defence fighter role and served as a flying instructor on the Jet Provost.  He has commanded an E-3D AWACS squadron and the main operating base of RAF Waddington. A graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies, he deployed in 2004 as the Air Component Commander for all UK flying operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, prior to taking up a MOD operational management appointment.  MOD duties included policy for air safety, UK and European airspace, ATM aircraft equipment and uavs; he also chaired the Military Aviation Regulatory Group.  He has held responsibility for operational management and oversight of all RAF airborne surveillance platforms and the RAF Search and Rescue Force.  His last formal military appointment was as Deputy Commander, NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force. Dai was Chief Executive of the UK Flight Safety Committee from 2012 until July 2024, where he worked with a wide range of industry partners to improve commercial aviation safety. He is Vice-Chair of the RAeS Flight Operations Group, a member of the RAeS Human Factors Specialist Group, and remains engaged with industry forums in Europe.

Rob Buckley

DUASAB Chair – Independent

Rob was elected in 2011 as secretary of the UK Large Model Association (LMA), and since 2015 has worked with the UK DfT, CAA and the other UK model flying associations to steer and define the national implementation of model flying regulation under the EASA unmanned aircraft rules. He also sits on several CAA working groups representing the interests of model aircraft flyers. In 2016, he was a founder member of the European Model Flying Union and is an executive board member. He started flying model aircraft in 1982, and has built and flown everything from free flight gliders to turbine powered aircraft but never really got on with helicopters. 

Since 2021 he has been Chief Engineer of the LMA, defining the design requirements and flightworthiness assessment processes for large model aircraft up to 150kg and their pilots.

He trained as an aeronautical engineer, and since 1996 has worked on the design, airworthiness and certification of balloons, airships, light aircraft, airliners and both large and small unmanned aircraft platforms as a chartered mechanical engineer. He additionally brings experience of the identification and mitigation of human factors and human error in large aircraft maintenance. He gained a fixed wing PPL in 2018 and now has a share in a permit to fly vintage aircraft.

During his career in Airbus, he was Civil Certification Manager for the Zephyr unmanned high altitude HAPS platform and Head of Operations & Chief Pilot of the Filton Unmanned Demonstrator aircraft organisation.

Simon Dale

FPV UK

David Phipps

Chief Executive, The British Model Flying Association (BMFA)