About Me
Aviation is in my blood. Both of my parents worked at Heathrow Airport when I was growing up, so from an early age I was surrounded by aircraft, airports and the people who make aviation happen. My passion for flying started early, and by the age of 13 I had joined my local Air Cadet Squadron, where I immersed myself in every opportunity aviation could offer.
I made the most of everything the Air Cadets had to offer, taking part in air experience flights, gliding, camps, courses, qualifications and leadership opportunities. I quickly realised that if I wanted to achieve my ambitions, I needed to put everything into every opportunity that came my way.
Two sayings have followed me throughout my journey: “you get out what you put in” and “everything happens for a reason.” Looking back, I have found both to be incredibly true. Every opportunity, challenge and setback has shaped the path that has brought me to where I am today.
Whilst still at college, I was awarded a gliding scholarship with 618 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) at RAF Odiham. Starting with no gliding experience, I progressed through to my first solo flight in a motor glider, before completing my Advanced Glider Training and achieving Grade 2 Pilot status.
The Air Cadets also provided experiences that I will never forget. From flying opportunities and meeting inspirational people to joining a select few lucky enough to experience one of the last flying Lockheed Constellations, flying low and slow along the coast, these experiences cemented my love for aviation.
Determined to build a career in aviation, I pursued every opportunity available. I was fortunate enough to be selected for the prestigious Air Cadet Pilot Scheme and later the Air League/Bristow Scholarship. I also prepared for my aircrew medical, losing over four stone in the process to achieve the required standard. This remains one of my proudest personal achievements and proved to me that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
After college, I chose not to go to university, instead focusing my time and finances on building an aviation career and gaining flying experience. Through the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, I gained my first real taste of civilian General Aviation and completed my first solo flight in a single-engine piston aircraft.
I continued searching for every opportunity to progress within aviation and was eventually selected as one of only four recipients of the Air League/Bristow Scholarship, which offered a pathway towards becoming a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot.
Unfortunately, aviation careers do not always follow a straight line. Due to changes in the offshore oil industry, Bristow were unable to continue the programme. I was later offered a place on the West Atlantic Pilot Scheme, but just days before I was due to start, the airline suspended the scheme. Whilst disappointing at the time, these experiences taught me resilience and reinforced that every setback creates an opportunity to find another route forward.
I continued working hard, gaining further scholarships and bursaries, completing my Private Pilot Licence with Tayside Aviation, and gaining valuable aviation operations experience at Goodwood Aerodrome. Eventually, I secured a role within Airfield Operations at London Gatwick Airport.
My six years at Gatwick gave me a unique insight into the wider aviation industry. During this time, I worked across a variety of operational roles supporting Air Traffic Control, airspace management and airport operations. I progressed through several promotions, becoming part of the Aerodrome Management Team and eventually leading the Airfield Operations team.
Alongside my career at Gatwick, I continued to fly and develop as a pilot, completing my Commercial Pilot Licence and Instrument Rating at Redhill Aerodrome. I remained committed to maintaining my flying skills, even throughout the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and continued to look for ways to progress within aviation.
In 2021, I was incredibly honoured to be awarded the Honourable Company of Air Pilots Flying Instructor Scholarship. This allowed me to complete my Flight Instructor training and begin the next chapter of my aviation journey—sharing my passion for flying and helping others achieve their own goals.
Since becoming an instructor, I have dedicated myself to teaching and mentoring pilots at all stages of their journey. Alongside instructing, I worked with NATS, supporting Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) and Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) training, as well as contributing to a number of air traffic management projects. This combination of operational aviation, air traffic management and flight instruction has given me a unique perspective that I bring into every lesson.
I eventually made the decision to join Euro Flight Training (EFT) full-time, where I am now Director and Head of Training. My ambition is to help build one of the UK’s leading modular flight training organisations; one that delivers exceptional training while remaining affordable, accessible and achievable for everyone.
I believe that becoming a pilot should not be limited by background, finances or following a single traditional route. There are many different paths into aviation, and my own journey is proof that determination, hard work and taking every opportunity can open doors.
Through Coepilot, I continue to share my experiences, support aspiring pilots and provide honest advice about the realities of aviation. I regularly deliver talks, university lectures and mentoring sessions for those looking to enter the industry or simply take their first steps into flying.
Aviation has given me incredible opportunities, introduced me to amazing people and taken me on a journey I could never have imagined. My aim now is to help others experience that same journey and achieve their own aviation ambitions.