Professional Journey in Aviation and Education
Early RAF Experience and Academic Pursuits
As a former Royal Air Force (RAF) Officer, my initial work involved operating and protecting aircraft throughout my training. I pursued Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Glasgow as a sponsored University Cadet, where I was attached to the University Air Squadron (UAS). This unique arrangement allowed me to integrate flying into my undergraduate studies, with practical flying sessions taking place between lectures from Glasgow Airport.
The RAF Training Unit at the time operated four Bulldog TMk1 twin-seat elementary flight training aircraft, utilising the picturesque Loch Lomond and the Carse of Stirling as local flight training areas. During the Easter break and for significant portions of the summer, the UAS relocated to active RAF stations, offering up to six weeks of intensive training. As a sponsored cadet, I had the privilege of additional training overseas at RAF Gibraltar, RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, and RAF Bruggen in West Germany.
Transition to Operational Roles
Upon successful completion of four years as an undergraduate, during which I achieved first-class honours in Aero Engineering and received an academic year prize, my commitments to the RAF became increasingly substantial. My career trajectory was initially set towards operating military aircraft as a pilot, but soon became clearly defined in the role of ‘wizzo’ (Weapons Systems Operator) or Navigator. Unfortunately, injuries sustained in a road traffic incident during training resulted in a medical classification of ‘unfit to fly operationally’. Consequently, I spent the remainder of my service focusing on training with the RAF Regiment.
Continued Engagement with Aviation and Academia
After returning to civilian life, I maintained my involvement in aviation by continuing my academic journey, focusing on the development of Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) within air transport. During this period, Boeing and Airbus were in competition with their respective twin-engine models, the B777 and A330, both of which were poised to replace more familiar four-engine aircraft such as the B747.
My career path then led me to teaching and lecturing undergraduate students aspiring to enter the aviation industry. As a course director and lecturer, I was responsible for delivering modules in engineering mathematics, flight mechanics, and aerodynamics. Additionally, students pursued a frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) during their second year as part of the BSc (Hons) Air Transport Operations course, with this segment of the syllabus being completed at a nearby flight training school, similar to the programme offered by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida.
Broader Educational Contributions
Following my work as a course director, I extended my teaching to secondary school pupils, focusing on mathematics. I also utilised my skills as a cyclist, swimmer, and footballer to support disabled athletes and others interested in these sports. Despite diversifying my interests, aviation remained a consistent thread throughout my professional life.
Return to Aviation and Appraisal Expertise
After a period working with a high street bank and undergoing training with the UK National Audit Office, I redirected my focus entirely back to aviation. Investigating, reporting, and providing appraisals became a compelling opportunity, and I soon found myself supporting analyst teams in monitoring global air transport travel and recording individual aircraft movements.
My focus eventually returned to commercial parapublic helicopters, where I have since built a wealth of experience and an extensive network of industry contacts from a stakeholder perspective. Over the years, I have appraised up to 3,000 helicopters, encompassing a wide range of models, including the S92A, AW139, BK117, K-Max, and Mi8/17. My clients have included major leasing companies, as well as legal teams requiring bespoke appraisals following aircraft incidents or the restructuring of large fleets under Chapter 11.
My professional network continues to grow and remains active across the sector. It is both an honour and a privilege to be associated with ASA MTS Aircraft, maintaining a strong link to general aviation—particularly commercial helicopters—while also retaining the expertise to appraise fixed-wing jets and turboprops when required. As the founder and senior appraiser at F4 Fly Fast Further First Ltd, my services remain available to the aviation community.