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.