Meet our Instructors
Aviation training by the practising UK experts
Leading experts on UK and international rulemaking
Using up-to-date active, experimental and traditional training methods, our instructors encourage effective knowledge sharing, learning and application of the skills and capabilities needed for the real-world environment. Drawing on expertise from across the UK CAA, your professional development is in safe hands.
John Thomson
Simon Roberts
Graham Wheeler
Colin Greenwood
Sophie Hibbin
Sophie Hibbin joined CAA International in June 2024 as Senior Technical Advisor for Aviation Security, after 7 years working for the UK CAA in the Training and Human Factors team. She specialises in applying research methodologies to policy issues, and is focused on improving global aviation security standards through human factors, security culture, and management systems. She is a UK DfT certificated instructor, with previous operational experience in air traffic control and airport security, and a solid academic background in geology and management science. At CAAi, Sophie supports global efforts to advance aviation security, through the provision of expert advice and training. She has collaborated with international regulatory bodies on projects to examine various risks in today’s aviation security system, and is currently working on improving worldwide certification standards for x-ray screeners and instructors.
Semme Limburg
Semme works for the UK CAA as Performance Based Regulation Analyst and Systems Development Lead within the Safety Performance Team. He has been working on the Performance Based Regulation programme since he joined the CAA in 2016 and has a deep and wide understanding of all its components, Risk Based Oversight and the Regulatory Safety Management System. Semme manages the continuous improvement of safety risk management systems technology. He provides colleagues with high quality analysis and insights on the performance of safety risk management procedures. Prior to joining the CAA Semme worked for a large UK airline in their safety function. He holds a BEng in Aeronautical Engineering and an MSc in Air Transport Management.
Andrew Fletcher
Andy completed his UK ATPL exams in 1999. Aviation at the time was in recession so he joined a ground handling company working in dispatch, ramp operations, load control and then as a trainer. In 2003 he joined the Airline Operations team at Flybe, later moving into training and safety roles in Ground Operations. He set up the Safety and Compliance system feeding into the airlines SMS, was deputy Nominated Person for Ground Ops, audit lead, Emergency team lead and became a trained aviation accident investigator. During this time, he also completed his degree in Aviation Management, co-chaired the UK CAAs GHOST team, participated in the early development of the IATA IGOM & EASA ground safety forums and became chair of the Royal Aeronautical Society Human Factors group for Ground Operations. Following Flybes closure in 2020 he became Global Airside Safety Manager for DHL Ground Operations, responsible for the SMS, developing the safety culture and delivering safety and investigator training to teams worldwide. Andy joined the CAA in May 2023 and works as one of the Performance Based Regulation principals, helping ensure the governance of RBO and RSMS procedures that helps the CAA identify and support industry safety risk mitigation.
Simon Sheeran
Simon is Head of Cyber Security Oversight at the CAA, leading the industry facing Cyber oversight function seeking to improve the resilience of the UK aviation and aerospace system. Simon has been with the CAA since 2008, previously working in the Technology Team as Head of IT Operations responsible for delivering the CAA’s technology roadmap, improving agility and speed of IT teams whilst also enabling secure cloud adoption. Prior to that Simon worked in IT Managed Services and Telecommunications.
Alcus Erasmus
Alcus has 13 years of experience working in information security roles in the transport and communication sectors. Alcus has been working for the Manchester Airports Group MAG since 2015 as Information security manager, internal penetration tester and vulnerability manager. He is currently the Head of cyber security engineering. Prior to MAG, Alcus spent 7 years working as a risk practitioner specialising in implementing Governance, Risk and Compliance framework software in financial services, pharmaceutical and telecommunication industries.
Michael Nebylowitsch
Developing Space Industry Safety
Michael joined the CAA Space Regulation Team in 2021 where he researched, collated, and ran workshops around Human Factors lessons learnt from industry failures. In 2024 he joined CAA International to develop and deliver training in 'Developing Space Industry Safety'. He previously worked at British Airways where he most recently managed the Avionics and Flight Data Technical Team within the Engineering Department. During his career at British Airways Engineering, he created and presented Safety Awareness courses aimed at influencing Safety. He started as an Engineering Apprentice with British Airways in 1974.
Calvin Ng
NG Min Yew Calvin leads the Cybersecurity Programme Centre in Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). In his current role, he is responsible for the secure design & development of the advance cybersecurity capabilities and solution across strategic Whole-of- Government (WOG) and Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) systems. Led a team of engineers and consultant to provide a wide spectrum of work to secure design, review architecture and remediate incidents. This includes exploration to de-risk the adoption of emerging technology capability in operations thru security by design review. Areas of emerging technologies involved to operationalise securely are Artificial intelligence, LLM modelling, Autonomous vehicle, DLT technologies and 5G networks.
His diverse experience across CSA includes working with National Research Foundation (NRF) and industry, to co-built and develop deep R&D capability centers in universities to drive core cybersecurity capability in Singapore. He also led the taskforce from CSA to provide assurance to secure covid operational system that won the service delivery excellence award. Technical Members of the Public Service Data Resiliency and Security Committee and Medical Devices Oversight Committee to drive both technical standards and the operationalisation of medical device labelling scheme.
Prior to joining CSA, in 2010, he was heading the Singapore Armed Forces Chief Information Office (SAF CIOO) in Joint Services, he is responsible for driving IT infrastructure and Information Systems across the land, air and sea services of the Singapore Armed Forces. From a software development engineer background to driving large scale IT complex systems in Command, Control and Communications System for National Security. His passion and interest in harnessing technological development have delivered significant contribution across various national security agency in Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Home Affairs and won multiple awards.
He volunteers in various non-profit organizations and currently a board member of Allkin Singapore. Chairman of Information & Communication technology committee. Formerly known as AMKFSC community services, a leading community driven social service agency.
Helen Heenan
Bio coming soon.
Ho Kee Vin
Ho Kee Vin is the Director for the Cybersecurity and Data Governance Division (Singapore aviation sector lead) in the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). He leads a team who works closely with the aviation community to promote and enhance cybersecurity awareness and resilience. He is currently a member of both the Cybersecurity Panel and the Trust Framework Panel in ICAO.
Kee Vin has over 25 years of cybersecurity experience. He first started his career in aviation catering operations as a duty manager back in 1996. He then ventured into IT audit and cybersecurity consulting with a global accounting firm helping clients across the government, defence, and commercial sectors. Kee-Vin has since served in local and regional cybersecurity roles across various sectors such as telecommunications, and banking and finance.
Gaurav Keerthi
Gaurav is currently an Executive Vice President at Ensign InfoSecurity. He represents Singapore at the United Nations Open Ended Working Group on cybersecurity. He has more than 25 years of working experience dealing with national security and policy issues.
Previously, Brigadier General (NS) Gaurav Keerthi was the Deputy Chief Executive of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the Deputy Commissioner for Cybersecurity. He was formerly a pilot in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and rose to become the Commander of the Air Defence and Operations Command and the CIO of the RSAF. He was previously seconded to the Ministry of Trade & Industry from 2008-2010 and worked on recession recovery measures and industry development policies.
Ng Hoo Ming
Hoo Ming serves in the Asean Chief information Officer Association (ACIOA) since 2021 and is appointed as the President. He was also involved in numerous cybersecurity engagements and is currently the cybersecurity advisor for the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
Kevin Payne
Kevin Payne is a Policy Specialist in the UK CAA’s Flight Operations Department and has been responsible for the development of standards for offshore helidecks (in CAP 437) and, until mid-2023, for onshore helicopter landing sites at hospitals (in CAP 1264). Kevin served as the UK member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Heliport Design Working Group (HDWG) from 2007-2023, and for much of that period was also chairman (Rapporteur) of the group. Under his watch many of the standards developed by ICAO and published in Annex 14 Volume II and the Heliport Manual, were introduced into the 1st Edition of CAP 1264 in 2016.
Besides training Kevin has been involved in various projects with CAA International over the years, including feasibility studies for new Helicopter Landing Sites at UK hospitals, a review of standards for offshore helidecks operating in Brunei Darussalam and a review of fire flighting provisions at remote helicopter operating sites in the Seychelles.
Tim Sawyer
Brian Watt
Bridget Quirke
Gerry Rolls
Steve Parry
Wildlife Hazard Management
Steve is an Aerodrome Inspector in the UK CAA. He is part of a team that specialise in oversight of Aerodrome Operations including RFFS and Wildlife control.
Steve has over 35 years industry experience in both Aerodrome Operations and Ramp Safety and is a qualified trainer, Assessor and Verifier
Andy Fraser
Wildlife Hazard Management
Andy currently holds the position of aerodrome inspector for the UK CAA and has nearly 50 years’ experience in the aviation industry. He has been with the UK CAA since 2009 as an aerodrome inspector he undertake auditing aerodromes, both in the UK and overseas.
Prior to joining the UK CAA, Andy had been working as a Senior Airport Fire Officer (SAFO) and Emergency Planner for a UK aerodrome. Included within his SAFO role were various airside operations roles, to include habitat management.
Andy has served at two UK aerodromes prior to that he was employed by the military.
Tulki Jenkins
Tulki is a Policy Specialist at UK CAA, where he is responsible for developing Policy and Guidance for UK Heliports and Vertiports including Hospital Heliports. Following a career within an Air Ambulance operator working alongside NHS to develop new Hospital Heliports, and managing the ongoing safety and capability of existing Heliports, he joined the CAA in 2023 to bring operational experience into AAA Policy to enhance the guidance available to industry.
Tulki also brings experience to the CAA from structural and airfield infrastructure engineering as well defence where he currently serves as an Army Reservist in the field of Air & Land Integration and Close Air Support.
Tulki now manages the writing and development of CAP1264 “Standards for Helicopter Landing Areas at Hospitals” alongside other CAA documents and works within international bodies such as ICAO to further advance International Heliport Operations. Focusing on all elements of UK Heliport Policy he also has a role to play in the future as the CAA looks at novel electric ‘eVTOL’ aviation and the aerodrome infrastructure they will utilise.“
Dorota Broom
Managing Insider Risks
Introduction to Security Culture
Dorota Broom joined CAA International in June 2022 as Technical Advisor for Aviation Security. She is a DfT certified Aviation Security Instructor with 16 years’ experience in the industry. Dorota believes passionately that sharing the understanding of Human Factors and promoting Security Culture can improve the standard of aviation security worldwide. She has lived and worked in various countries and is fluent in English, Italian and Polish.
In her current role, Dorota is responsible for providing technical support and expertise to an international audience in Aviation Security through design and delivery of training. She is a pro-active collaborator on various CAAi projects. Currently this includes a three-year research project for EASA on the Impact of Security measures on Safety, ICAO Security Culture and DfT ASTEM framework.
In her previous role, Dorota worked for Ryanair for 16 years in various roles. This included Safety and Emergency Procedures Instructor, Senior Examiner and Quality Assurer for security training. She has been responsible for safety and security training to cabin crew, flight crew and Instructors. She has prepared security instructors for national certification both in the UK and Ireland. She has delivered training for Ryanair in areas of Safety, Security, CRM, Dangerous Goods, First Aid and Survival.
Simon Evans
Bio coming soon!
Shaun Southall
Aviation Cybersecurity Oversight
Shaun Southall is a Cyber Security Oversight Specialist with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, bringing over 20 years of experience across physical and information security disciplines. Shaun has a strong working knowledge of both industry-specific regulations, and broader control frameworks as part of his role of progressing Airports, Airlines and Air Navigation Service Providers through the UK’s Cyber Security Oversight Process for Aviation which is his core area of responsibility since joining the CAA in 2021.
Shaun’s expertise spans Governance, Risk and Compliance, and his other core competency areas include Cloud Security and Quantitative Risk Analysis. He holds a number of industry accreditations, and in 2020 he completed the International Security Management Institute’s Level 6 Certified Security Management Professional Diploma. Shaun was also awarded ‘Freedom of the City of London’ for services to the Security Industry.
Shaun’s training experience includes developing and co-delivering ‘Continued Professional Development Days’ for ASIS CPP holders for several years. More recently, Shaun has been part of ECAC’s BPNA (Best Practices for National Auditors) training programme, delivering several modules from the three-day course to delegates from Civil Aviation Authorities across Europe, underlining his passion for improving standards in cybersecurity throughout the aviation industry.
Jonathan Hogben
Aviation Cybersecurity Oversight
Jonathan is responsible for Cyber Security Policy decisions and the regulatory direction across the United Kingdom aviation industry. Jon leads the Cyber Security Policy team that work domestically to provide support, guidance, and expertise to organisations, across the range of applicable cyber regulations. Jon is a member of both the ICAO Cybersecurity and Trust Framework Panels in addition to collaborating in various European cyber security forums.
Jon has over ten years of aviation regulation and policy experience. Jon started his aviation career as an Aviation Security Compliance Auditor, prior to which he held various roles within the UK Government. He then moved into Aviation Security Regulation where he first worked on Cyber through the development of the Cyber Security regulation within the National Aviation Security Programme. Jon has completed formal cyber training through ICAO, ISO, and the SANS institute.
Howard Mersey
AOC Accountable Manager & Nominated Person
Bio coming soon
Andy Hannon
Introduction to Competency Based Training and Assessment
Bio coming soon!
Captain Tim Ramsdale
Introduction to Competency Based Training and Assessment
Evidence-Based Training for Flight Operations Inspectors
Captain Tim Ramsdale is an experienced flight operations and training specialist with over 30 years in the aviation industry. Tim holds comprehensive experience in commercial, military, helicopter and aeroplane operations, training of NAA Inspectors, Examiners, and Instructors. Alongside being a Flight Operations and Training Inspector, Tim is the current Training Standards Lead for the UK CAA.
Clair Borrelli
Clair joined CAAi in 2011 and was appointed to the position of Head of Operations in January 2023. Clair leads the Business Services team, responsible for the continuous improvement of our processes and procedures in line with our BSI 9001:2015 accreditation. Clair has 24 years of experience in aviation, with a background in Ground Handling and Airlines Operations, before joining CAAi, where she has project managed our large Capacity Building projects, working to improve safety standards with Regulators and Aviation bodies globally.
Peter Drissell
Peter was appointed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as its first Director of Aviation Security in 2013 and led the transition of operational aviation security functions from the Department for Transport (DfT) to the UK CAA on 1st April 2014. In February 2015, he took on the additional role of Director CAA Transformation Programme. Prior to his appointment, Peter was Director of Security & Business Continuity for the Home Office. He was also the Home Office HR Diversity Champion. Prior to this, Peter had served for 32 years in the Royal Air Force from which he retired as an Air Commodore in April 2007. In his military career, Peter served in a number of operational and staff appointments within the UK and overseas. After a year serving as Provost Marshal for the RAF, his last appointment combined the roles of Commandant General of the Royal Air Force Regiment and Air Officer RAF Police. Until 2014, Peter was a Director of Plan UK, an international children’s charity, a position he had held for some 10 years, and until 2014 had been a trustee of the City and Guilds; he remains on the governing council of that organisation.
Dilsha Caldera
Dilsha is currently acting as the CAA’s interim Deputy General Counsel. She has been with the CAA since 2006.
Prior to joining the CAA, Dilsha worked for a number of international law firms, advising commercial clients in a range of industry sectors. She qualified as a lawyer in the City. She provided legal and risk management advice to support Boards and other senior leaders in strategic and operational decision making.
During Dilsha’s time at the CAA, she has worked across the organisation on matters ranging from consumer protection, safety and space regulation, as well as the corporate side of the business. She currently manages the legal team’s service offering in key areas, which includes assessing financial, legal and reputational risk and supporting CAA colleagues on developing strategy, policy, regulatory outcomes and corporate decisions.
Dilsha was the legal lead in organisational change management including the introduction of new areas to the business, such as Aviation Security and Space. In her leadership role, Dilsha has also driven forward business change.
Dilsha is a keen advocate for wellbeing and Diversity & Inclusion, leading a number of initiatives at the CAA.
Iain McMillan
Iain joined the CAA International Board in 2022. He has previously held board appointments in various sectors including private, public and NfP.
Iain provides consultancy and interim leadership support for organisations seeking to transform their performance.
During the course of Iain’s career he has advised organisations in both the UK and overseas including regulation, strategy, growth and transition through periods of change.
Most recently he has provided support to clients in the healthcare sector, a charity providing humanitarian support and a technology group.
Katherine Corich
Katherine Corich was appointed as a Non-Executive member of the CAA Board on 1 July 2019. She serves on the Audit and Remuneration Committees. Kathrine has extensive experience of corporate governance, performance/risk-based regulation and aviation safety, serving on public, corporate, academic and third sector boards.
Kathrine is currently Chair of the Sysdoc Group and IAP boards, and is a non-Exec director of MyWave Artificial Intelligence, Pure Advantage Climate Change Think Tank and Auckland University Business School.
Katherine is a technology entrepreneur and trained commercial pilot. She was inducted into the NZ Hi-Tech Hall of Fame in 2015 and has been twice named as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
Louise Stone
Louise is a qualified Charted Certified Accountant (FCCA) and has worked in finance roles for over 20 years. Louise has extensive experience in both financial and management accounting and have worked within the Finance & Corporate Services department in the CAA for over 17 years. Louise has manage a team of nine Finance Business Partners who partner across the whole of the CAA facilitating budgeting, forecasting and monthly management reporting.
In recent years, Louise studied for an MBA at Cranfield University sponsored by the CAA, achieving a distinction, and becoming a member of the Chartered Management Institute. Louise's role has changed and expanded extensively since the completion of her MBA and she has been involved in various high level projects including Project Horizon, Future Funding Model, TOM Implementation and more recently in developing the CAA Efficiency Strategy and the Public Bodies Review work.
In the CAA Finance Director role, Louise brings a strategic view of the financial performance of CAAi providing insight on business decisions impacting the underlying operating profits.
Michael Budge
Michael joined the CAAi board in 2022 in the capacity as non-executive director. Michael supports CAAi executive management on aspects such as improving corporate governance standards, financial and risk management. Michael joined the UK CAA in 2012 within the Consumers and Markets Group and leads the team responsible for the financial oversight and licensing of all ATOL holders. Michael has extensive financial and credit analysis experience and a deep understanding of consumer protection regulation.
Before joining the CAA, Michael worked in leverage finance supporting mid-market private equity houses' investments in a variety of sectors. Michael has also worked at BDO where he trained as a Chartered Accountant and latterly spent time within their Corporate Finance Transaction Services Team. Michael holds an FCA and BSc in Economics and Accounting.
Marykay Fuller
Marykay Fuller was appointed to the CAA Board as a Non-Executive Director in January 2019 and CAA Board Senior Independent Director in 2021.
She is Chair of the Air Travel Trust Fund, and also serves as a member of the CAA Audit Committee, and CAA International Ltd Management Advisory Board.
Marykay also serves as a Non-Executive Director of Southern Water where she sits on the Risk Committee. She is also a director on GCP Asset Backed Income Fund Limited where she is a member of the Audit, Risk and Remuneration Committees.
Marykay previously was a board member of British American Business and currently also serves on the Alumni Advisory Board of Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College in the USA.
Marykay’s executive career was in finance and consulting and she is a former senior advisory partner at KPMG LLP.
Earlier in her career, she also worked for the US Government where she worked on numerous US airline restructurings and served on the White House National Airline Commission.
Ben Alcott
Ben Alcott graduated in 1992 with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and went on to complete an MSc in Thermal Power at Cranfield University, graduating in 1993.
Following spells in the oil contracting industry, conducting gas turbine research for the government, and at Rolls-Royce Deutschland, Ben joined the UK CAA in 1998 working on engine certification, validation, and rulemaking projects in Europe and with the FAA.
Since then Ben has held a number of management and leadership roles in the UK CAA, covering areas from safety data and safety planning, to personnel licensing and oversight of approved training organisations. From Nov 2013- Nov 2015 Ben led the UK’s CAA’s Performance Based Regulation Programme, the UK CAA’s transformation programme to be a performance based regulator.
In November 2015, Ben was appointed as the UK CAA’s first International Director, leading the CAA's International Group with accountability for CAA International, the CAA’s State Safety Partnership programme and engagement with international institutions such as EASA, ICAO and the European Parliament. Ben is currently the CAA's Professional Services Director and is the Chair on the CAAi Board.
Suraj Parekh
Bio coming soon!
Matthew Margesson
Matt was appointed as CAAi's Managing Director in October 2023. As Managing Director, Matt is responsible for leading CAAi’s commitment to improving aviation standards globally and assisting countries to unlock the endless benefits that safe, secure, and innovative aviation brings.
Matthew has been an integral part of CAAi’s leadership team since 2009, having held senior roles including Head of International Development and latterly, Head of International Operations. As Head of International Operations, Matthew’s leadership was instrumental in assisting countries to improve compliance with ICAO requirements, streamlining regulatory operations and processes, and enhancing the overall customer experience for aviation regulators worldwide. Matthew has also championed the use of Regulatory e-Tools and directly programme-managed the implementation of e-Exams for the UK CAA and numerous Authorities globally.
Matt has almost 25 years of aviation experience in senior leadership positions, including posts that have included Group COO and CEO. Matt has proven experience in financial, business development, operations/delivery, risks, strategy and governance, and most importantly, people development and management.
Alejandro Polo
Alex joined CAA International in 2021 as Senior Manager for International Development and became Head of International Operations and Development in March 2024. His role involves developing strategic relationships and partnerships with international stakeholders and overseeing the delivery of CAAi’s advisory services, assisting government agencies, National Aviation Authorities, and aviation industry partners in raising aviation standards in a global scale.
Alex has 11 years of experience in the Aviation Sector holding different roles across engineering, project management and business development. Alex holds BEng and MSc in Aeronautical Engineering and more recently has earned an Executive MSc in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University.
Julian Deeks
Julian Deeks is a Senior Technical Advisor RPAS/Innovation Lead at Civil Aviation Authority – CAA International.
Silke Buckley
Silke joined CAAi in 2013 and became Head of Training (acting) in 2023, responsible for the strategic development and delivery of the CAAi Training Portfolio. Silke has extensive experience in the development of Learning Management Systems and Learning technology and has over 20 years of experience in the active application of adult learning principles, learning design techniques and innovative Learning solutions. Silke has a Masters and BA Degree in Business Studies from the University of Brighton.
Sophie Jones
Sophie joined the CAA in 2016 and became Head of Operations in 2018 responsible for leading the strategic IT project implementation, people development, business planning and our quality management systems. In June 2020 Sophie expanded her role to include the CAAi Training Portfolio. Sophie has over 15 years aviation industry experience in operational, change management, project management, process improvement and training delivery. Sophie is a member of the association of project managers and holds an accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.
Richard Dobson
Richard Joined CAAi in 2010 and became Head of Technical Resource in 2021, responsible for the management and delivery of the technical services across regulatory domains. Richard is an aviation professional with more than 25 years working for the UK CAA and CAAi. Richard has extensive experience in working with major UK and European aerospace companies. Having very strong account manager skills in business development, bid preparation and contracts, he developed a solid know-how in project management, delivering to agreed targets and budgets. Also experienced in coordinating commercial and purchasing teams. From 2006 he was the Senior Project Manager responsible for the outsourced EASA framework contracts that include the provision of certification services and consultancy services in support of international technical cooperation activities.
Rob Erskine
Rob joined CAAi in 2011 and became Head of International Operations for the Asia Pacific region in 2017 responsible for our Programme Delivery. Rob has vast aviation operational and commercial experience with 17 years at BAA plc covering London’s South-East Airports. Rob has a Bachelor Honours Degree of Valuation and Estate Management from the University of West of England and maintains his professional qualification as a Chartered Surveyor.
Matthew Margesson
Matt was appointed as CAAi's Managing Director in October 2023. As Managing Director, Matt is responsible for leading CAAi’s commitment to improving aviation standards globally and assisting countries to unlock the endless benefits that safe, secure, and innovative aviation brings.
Matthew has been an integral part of CAAi’s leadership team since 2009, having held senior roles including Head of International Development and latterly, Head of International Operations. As Head of International Operations, Matthew’s leadership was instrumental in assisting countries to improve compliance with ICAO requirements, streamlining regulatory operations and processes, and enhancing the overall customer experience for aviation regulators worldwide. Matthew has also championed the use of Regulatory e-Tools and directly programme-managed the implementation of e-Exams for the UK CAA and numerous Authorities globally.
Matt has almost 25 years of aviation experience in senior leadership positions, including posts that have included Group COO and CEO. Matt has proven experience in financial, business development, operations/delivery, risks, strategy and governance, and most importantly, people development and management.
Gia Kroeff
Aviation and the Environment
Gia has 13 years’ experience in the aviation industry. Gia manages environmental modelling at the UK CAA, including research and analysis for the UK Department for Transport (DfT), to inform policy development and Aviation Strategy.
Gia has worked on consultancy projects to improve the sustainability of aviation. Her work includes the development of Carbon Management Strategies and action plans for large corporations. Notably, Gia developed the energy and sustainability targets and standards for Rolls Royce.
Nina Smith
Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation Security
Nina joined the CAA in 2014 as part of the transfer of the aviation security function from the Department for Transport after a previous military career. She is the Head of the Aviation Security Training and Human Factors team at the CAA, working within the wider Aviation Security Directorate. Her responsibilities include the regulation and quality assurance of security training in the industry, implementation of security culture and capacity building in the area of human performance and factors.
Nina is the current chair of the Training Taskforce at the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), and contributes to ECAC’s international training activities as part of the CASE project as an instructor. She is also a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Training Working Group and a qualified National Aviation Security Auditor.
Kathryn Jones
Effective Fatigue Risk Management Systems
Flight Time Limitations
Kathryn has worked in aviation since 1989 and is an aircrew fatigue management expert. Her experience includes: working for an airline; being a UK CAA auditor; and Head of Scheduling for the British Airline Pilots Union. Kathryn returned to the UK CAA in 2008 and has worked on flight time limitations and fatigue risk management systems and is currently focused on the delivery of the UK CAA’s human factors programme. She has been a member and chair of various European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) rulemaking groups and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s Fatigue Risk Management and Human Performance Task Forces. Kathryn also holds a Masters in Air Safety Management.
Nick Goodwyn MA Dip Psych cfs RAF (Ret)
Pilot Peer Training
Nick Goodwyn, on behalf of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), leads the strategic overview of Pilot and Human Performance and the implementation of Pilot Peer Assistance in developing a national programme for the benefit of all UK commercial pilots in promoting and supporting their whole health and wellbeing.
Nick has a 36 year career as a military and civilian Fast Jet Pilot, Instructor and Examiner. Focused on Flight Operations as well as learning and development, Nick is a qualified Aircrew, Executive and Business Coach specialising in flight crew welfare and personal growth. Additionally, Nick's expertise extend to Human Factors, Performance and Crew Resource Management.
As a front line fast jet military pilot, on operations and having flown over 4500 hours (including multi-engine and rotary experience), Nick was latterly responsible for the delivery of Ab-Initio Human factors training to all Royal Air Force and Royal Navy Pilots. Nick was also responsible for the cognitive development and performance of pilots and instructors through a unique Performance Coaching Programme and Human Performance for Instructors Course as well as a military and civilian Airmanship model. Additionally, he undertook bespoke flying training projects as an independent service consultant for defence senior officers. In January 2015, he was seconded to work with the UK CAA and left the RAF in September 2016 to become Director of Elite Performance Training Ltd (Aviation Services), working in the commercial air transport sector, re-joining the CAA in October 2018 to undertake the Pilot Peer Assistance project lead role.
Nick has a Postgraduate Diploma in Coaching Psychology and was awarded a Masters Degree in Executive and Business Coaching focusing on Pilot Peer Assistance and mental wellbeing.
David Asgeirsson
Evidence-Based Training for Flight Operations Inspectors
David is a Subject Matter Expert on Competency and Evidence-Based Training (EBT). He is an advisor to the ICAO Personnel Training and Licensing Panel and previously participated in the development of the EBT Instructor Course for IATA.
Richard Miller
AOC Accountable Manager and Nominated Person
Introduction to International Air Law
Captain Richard Miller has over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry in both an operational and regulatory environment. His airline experience includes UK and Overseas based organisations on a range of aircraft, including Airbus and Boeing types. While working for the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA); Captain Miller’s responsibilities have included the safety oversight of large and small air transport organisations as well as a ‘Seconded National Expert’ in the European aviation system. In his current role, Captain Richard Miller’s responsibilities include the provision of a wide range of specialist advice and training in an International operational environment.
Owen Healey
Owen joined the aviation industry in 1979, working in a wide range of aerodrome operational roles. In 2000, he joined the UK CAA as an Aerodrome Inspector prior to becoming a Principal Inspector in 2006. In 2014, Owen was seconded to the UK CAA Performance-based Regulation (PBR) Team for two years. As part of a major transformation programme at that time, the CAA’s ambition was to introduce PBR in the UK. The primary objective was to build a more comprehensive picture of aviation safety performance to capture the full extent of safety risks and take effective steps, working with the aviation industry, to ensure they are managed effectively.
Owen had the privilege of being seconded to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for four years (2016-2020). He was part of a small team that provided advice and guidance to EASA staff and EU Member State Competent Authorities to move towards a more risk/performance-based approach. Additional team work streams included SMS, Aviation Inspector Competencies and Maturity Model. Owen recently returned to the UK CAA in the capacity of Senior Technical Advisor Aerodromes.
Sean Parker
Just Culture in Aviation Safety
Sean has over 25 year’s regulatory experience with the UK CAA across several technical disciplines. He is specialising in safety reporting and performance based regulation. As the Head of the UK CAA Safety Data Department between 2010 and 2014 he was directly involved with the drafting of EC 376/2014 as the UK specialist supporting the Council of the European Union. This European regulation mandates Just Culture as part of safety occurrence reporting processes in aviation. Prior to various roles within the Airworthiness Division of the UK CAA Sean worked in the UK and Malaysia for Bristow Helicopters and British Airways.
Ben Bamber
Part SPA – Specific Approvals including PBN, MNPS, RVSM, LVO (AWOPS), ETOPS
Flight Operations Inspector Theory (Virtual)
Ben started his aviation career in 1971 via an RAF Flying Scholarship and possessed a Pilot’s Licence before he had a Driving Licence. He went on to serve in the Fleet Air Arm as a pilot, and worked for the Bristow Helicopter Group, the British Midland Airways Group and the British Airways Group in various flying, training and management roles.
Ben joined the UK CAA in 2003 as a Flight Operations Training Inspector and worked as the Lead Inspector with a number of the UK’s major Airlines and AOCs, including Britannia / Thomson Airways where he was responsible for the introduction of the Boeing 787 into Airline Service, and onto the UK Register. In 2016, Ben moved into the UK CAA International Group, where he has worked with such other National Authorities as Kuwait, Mongolia, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Ireland, Seychelles and others, as well as delivering training for diverse and different bodies, ranging from EASA to the Department of Forests Fire-Fighting Flight Unit.
Ben continues to play a role within the EASA and UK requalification of Full Flight Training Devices on a world-wide basis; and also with the examination of Type Rating Examiners and Instructors, as well as Senior Examiners within the EASA context. He maintains ongoing professional qualifications as a Senior Examiner, Type Rating Examiner and Type Rating Instructor on the Boeing 777/787 as well as continuing as an EASA & National Authority Training Inspector.
Zara Dempsey-Brench
Risk Based Oversight & Surveillance
Zara works within the Safety and Business Delivery division of the CAA as a Performance Based Regulation (PBR) Principal. Zara leads on the delivery of the BowTie Strategy through defining and maintaining a best-practice approach to the development, use, and sharing of BowTies as the CAA’s chosen control-based risk assessment tool. Her role focuses on the continuous improvement and embedding of the CAA’s performance-based regulation approach, contributing to continued enhancements of tools and systems which support Performance Based Oversight (PBO) and Regulatory Management System (RSMS). Zara joined the CAA in 2021 and holds an MSc in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University, along with a BSc in Air Transport and Logistics Management.
David Campbell
Safety Management Systems – Introduction
Safety Management Systems – Principles and Applications
Safety Management Systems – Small Organisations
David has worked in Civil Aviation for 25 years, starting with a large Handling Agent at Manchester airport, followed by over 12 years for two large charter airlines working in Crew Logistics (Flight Time Limitations). David has been with the UK CAA for over 10 years auditing operators holding an Air Operator’s Certificate. David has been involved with Safety Management Systems (SMS) for 9 years. During that time he has overseen the implementation of SMS into the regulation and assessed many operators’ SMS for approval and as part of continued oversight. David has been delivering SMS Basic and Advanced courses for 6 years now both in the UK and overseas.
John Thomson
Implementing and Operating Safety Management Systems in Aviation
John's background seamlessly bridges both civil and military aviation sectors, with key roles held within the Civil and Military Aviation Authorities. John is driven by a commitment to nurturing a resilient safety culture. Emphasising the cultivation of a Just Culture environment, wherein the reporting of occurrences, the sharing of best practice and the assimilation of lessons learned, all fuel continuous improvement. Whether supporting the harmonisation of safety management systems, harnessing cutting-edge analytical tools or taking a State Level view, John is dedicated to steering organisations towards data driven decision-making and improving safety outcomes. John offers a comprehensive grasp of safety reporting, analysis, investigation, safety and risk management their supporting systems and software, across both civil and defence aviation domains.
Simon Roberts
Leading on Aviation Safety
Safety Management Systems – Introduction
Safety Management Systems – Principles and Applications
Safety Management (Advanced) – Evaluating Effectiveness
Safety Management Systems – Small Organisations
Just Culture for the Team
Just Culture for Responsible Managers
Root Cause Analysis
Simon has 40 years aviation experience working with airlines and aviation maintenance organisations. He has been working over 21 years for the UK CAA and during last 9 years he was responsible for the Safety Management System (SMS) policy and strategy across the UK CAA. He has led international projects for SMS and State Safety Programs (SSP) working with ICAO, EASA and other regulators. Simon is also a maintenance Human Factors specialist and co-chairs the EASA Human Factors Collaborative Analysis Group (CAG). Using his extensive experience, Simon has been instructing SMS and SSP training worldwide.
Matthew Lillywhite
Leading on Aviation Safety
Safety Management Systems – Introduction
Safety Management Systems – Principles and Applications
Safety Management (Advanced) – Evaluating Effectiveness
Safety Management Systems – Small Organisations
Just Culture for the Team
Just Culture for Responsible Managers
Matt is the UK CAA’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) Programme Lead; responsible for managing our SMS strategy including the approach to oversight, policy and training delivery. Previously holding various regulatory roles with responsibilities ranging from the oversight of airworthiness approval holders, to safety performance monitoring and risk management. He is the UK nominated member of the ICAO Safety Management Panel and brings an international perspective having been a Seconded National Expert to the European Commission. Matt holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and is a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society. In his spare time he enjoys flying light aircraft and volunteers as an Explorer Scout Leader.
Graham Wheeler
Safety Management Systems - Introduction
Safety Management Systems - Small Organisations
Safety Management Systems for Small Organisations - Blended Training Course
Safety Management Systems - Principles and Applications
Safety Management Systems - Principles and Applications (MAvA)
Safety Management (Advanced) - Evaluating Effectiveness
Safety Management Systems Refresher Training
Advanced Safety Management Systems - Evaluating for Effectiveness - Virtual (Asia Region)
Root Cause Analysis
Airworthiness Accountable Manager & Nominated Person
Graham has over 38 years’ experience working in the Aviation industry, in areas of aircraft maintenance, production and quality oversight. He is a qualified aircraft maintenance engineer and lead quality auditor, spending several years overseeing the build of Boeing Aircraft in Seattle. Graham has been working for the UK CAA for the last 18 years as an Airworthiness Surveyor and in several managerial technical roles supporting the regulatory oversight of aviation and the UK CAA as a competent authority. He is now using his experience to help the development and sustainability of aviation safety globally.
Colin Greenwood
Leading on Aviation Safety
Safety Management Systems – Introduction
Safety Management Systems – Principles and Applications
Safety Management (Advanced) – Evaluating Effectiveness
Safety Management Systems – Small Organisations
Just Culture for the Team
Just Culture for Responsible Managers
EASA Part 21 G Production Organisation Approval
EASA Part 145 Maintenance Training Approval
EASA Part M Continuing Airworthiness
Airworthiness Accountable Manager & Nominated Person
Colin is an Airworthiness specialist with nearly 40 years of experience working in aviation, including over 10 years with the UK CAA. Colin has experience in both military and civilian environments including aircraft & component production, continuing airworthiness for Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (AOC) holders and Non-Commercial Complex aircraft (NCC)/Private operations, maintenance of complex & non-complex fixed and rotary wing aircraft, engines and components, maintenance control, safety management, quality assurance (compliance monitoring), Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) training, management and consultancy. In addition, Colin has extensive experience as an auditor in Continuing Airworthiness, Maintenance & Production environments, under ICAO, EASA and other national regulatory requirements.
Neil Gray
Safety Management Systems – Introduction
Safety Management Systems – Principles and Applications
Safety Management Systems – Small Organisations
Aerodrome Accountable Manager and Nominated Person
Neil is a Principal Aerodrome Inspector in the UK CAA. He leads a team of Inspectors whose role is to oversee the compliance and safety performance of the UK aerodrome operators with International, European and UK standards, with particular focus on Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Neil is the UK CAA’s focal point for the SMS, he has been instrumental in the development of the UK CAA’s SMS evaluation process, and he took a lead role in a programme that evaluates the suitability and effectiveness of SMS at all UK certificated aerodromes.
Karolina Cyrnek
Risk-Based Oversight and Surveillance
Karolina is working for the UK CAA as a Risk Based Oversight Lead within the Safety and Business Delivery department. She is responsible for driving strategic continuous improvement and delivery of the cultural, process and procedural changes to further advance the way the UK CAA carries out Risk Based Oversight. She brings a proactive and dynamic approach to understanding the aviation industry’s safety and risk picture and subsequently enhancing safety related systems. Whilst collaborating and seeking out the viewpoint of relevant stakeholders, Karolina has led on the design and development of the RBO course, its delivery internally and to external organisations. She holds a BSc in Aviation Management and MSc in Aviation Safety Management, Risk and Regulation from Cranfield University.
Ray Forster
Risk-Based Oversight and Surveillance
Ray is the acting Manager of the UK CAA Safety and Airspace Regulation Group’s (SARG) Safety Performance team. He leads the team that develops the systems, methodologies, processes and procedures used for conducting Risk Based Oversight of the UK aviation industry, and for assessing, monitoring and improving the management of their safety risks. Before joining the UK CAA, Ray was an Air Traffic Controller and ATM manager for 30 years. Ray has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Air Safety Management, is an LRQA trained auditor, and is a member of the Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers and the City & Guilds Institute for Leadership and Management.
Mark Vincent
Risk-Based Oversight and Surveillance
Mark has been working for the UK CAA since Oct 2017. Following a role of a Performance Based Oversight (PBO) Principal, Mark is now working as the Performance Based Regulation (PBR) Manager. Within the UK CAA's PBR team, he is responsible for managing Performance Based Oversight and the Regulatory Safety Management System. Prior to joining the UK CAA he spent over 22 years in the Royal Air Force in a variety of roles in aviation delivery, including operating as an Air Traffic Controller and then as an Aviation Safety Management Specialist.
Sergio Bebiano
Barrier Modelling
Risk Monitoring and Safety Performance
Sergio has more than 15 years of experience working in the aviation industry. He started as a cabin crew for GB Airways and soon after became an instructor delivering all aspects of Safety and Emergency Procedures, Dangerous Goods and First Aid. When GB Airways was acquired by easyJet Sergio joined the easyJet’s Cabin Safety Team and became a Cabin Safety Officer and then a Cabin Safety Coordinator. He was in the role for almost 10 years conducting Mandatory Occurrence Reports investigations for the entire easyJet network and was also responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the cabin crew procedures. Sergio is currently working for the UK CAA as a Safety Intelligence Lead. His responsibilities include data analysis from all different sources of data, that will help to identify industry risks.
Ian MacLaren
Airworthiness
EASA Part 21 G – Production Organisation Approval
EASA Part 21 J – Design Organisation Approval
EASA Part M Continuing Airworthiness
Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS)
Ian has over 35 years of experience in the industry. He is an Airworthiness specialist at the UK CAA ( including ASSI) including British Aerospace, and now BAE Systems. Ian has previously worked as an Avionics design certification specialist on large aircraft and a Part 145 and Part M specialist. Ian is currently delivering our Initial Airworthiness and Continuing Airworthiness training courses and instructing training addressing the airworthiness aspects of Specific Approvals.
Andrew Varley
Airworthiness
EASA Part 145 Maintenance Training Approval
EASA Part M Continuing Airworthiness
EASA Part CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation approval)
AOC Accountable Manager and Nominated Person
Introduction to International Air Law
Airworthiness Accountable Manager & Nominated Person
Andrew has been working in the aviation industry for 47 years, in the areas of aircraft maintenance, continuing airworthiness and as a safety regulator. Andrew is a qualified aircraft maintenance engineer with 17 years of aircraft maintenance experience, on multiple aircraft types, in various roles.
Andrew has been part of the UK CAA for 30 years. During this time he worked with foreign Civil Aviation Authorities and Governments on improving safety standards and levels of compliance with ICAO standards.
Andrew has vast experience of the implementation and application of UK CAA and EASA requirements and he brings this experience to all the courses that he delivers.
Gary Beaton
Airworthiness
Gary has nearly over 40 years’ experience in the aviation industry, working both in the UK and overseas. He worked as an air traffic controller and Airside Operations Manager before joining the UK CAA where he was involved in rulemaking, incident investigation, inspections and auditing, in a variety of domains. Since then he has worked as a trainer, specialising in the regulatory framework and regulatory oversight, for more than ten years with Eurocontrol and combines this with hands-on, practical support to aviation authorities, airport and air navigation service providers.
Devan Ramasamy
EASA Part M Continuing Airworthiness (including SEARIF)
EASA Part 145 including DCA Malaysia Notice 6501 (CAA Malaysia Part 145 Maintenance Organisation Approval)
Safety Management Systems – Principles and Applications (MAvA)
Techniques in Auditing Approved Organisations
Maintenance Steering Group (MSG) 3 – An Overview Course
Auditing of NDT Disciplines
Reliability and Maintenance Programme Management
Devan has been with the UK CAA since 1998 and has about 52 years’ experience in the aviation industry, spread across both GA and large aircraft. He has worked with Airlines / MROs based overseas and in the UK. Devan holds an EASA Licence in Cats B2/limited B1 and C. He is a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and an Incorporated Engineer with the UK Engineering Council.
Nigel Bauer
An Introduction to Compliance Monitoring
Audit Techniques
Nigel has been designing and presenting Auditor training courses and Root Cause Analysis and problem-solving techniques in the UK and internationally for over 30 years. His extensive experience also includes the International Register of Certificated Auditors Certificated (IRCA) Lead Auditor training courses. Prior to becoming a management systems and training professional, Nigel held senior management positions in Design and Manufacturing Approved organisations, where he developed, managed and implemented internal audit processes in support of regulatory compliance. Following his move into consultancy, he provided direct auditing services to many aviation organisations, including Maintenance organisations, Aerodromes and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP), together with the provision of practical support to facilitate regulatory compliance. Additionally, he has been involved with EU Support to States leading, supporting and training audit teams involved in formal ANSP Certification activities.
Andrew Bell
FSTD Qualification and Operation
Andrew worked for a major Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) manufacturer over 20 years, where he acquired extensive experience in the areas of FSTD software design, development, integration and testing. He also worked as project engineer for several years and, latterly, as platform lead engineer responsible for configuration control across all FSTDs for specific aircraft types, controlling simulation baselines and providing FSTD evaluation support internally, to FSTD end users and to regulators. Over 10 years, Andrew has been working as an accredited technical inspector carrying out FSTD technical evaluations and operator management system audits on behalf of the UK CAA nationally, and EASA internationally.
Mark Swift
Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA)
Bio coming soon!
Mark Dransfield
FSTD Capability Signature
Mark is an independent FSTD regulatory consultant, based out of the UK, specialising in the evaluation and qualification of FSTDs in accordance with the latest regulatory frameworks around the world. As such he is involved in various industry rule-making activities within the regulatory agencies concerned with flight crew training, including EASA with whom he is registered as an independent FSTD subject matter expert.
Previously Mark spent 20 years in the Training Device Manufacturer (TDM) side of the industry in various engineering and senior management positions where he covered most aspects of commercial flight simulator engineering, production, evaluation, qualification, customer support and strategic business development. In addition, Mark spent 3 years as UK CAA Simulator Standards Manager responsible for managing the regulatory oversight of all FSTD Qualifications within the UK, and on behalf of the JAA. He also co-chaired the International Working Group responsible for the production and update of ICAO doc 9625 Manual of Criteria for the Qualification of FSTDs.
Mark holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Aeronautical Engineering from London University, is a registered Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and winner of the ARINC FSEMC Edwin A Link Award for his vision and services to the flight simulation industry.
Keith Ross
FSTD Qualification and Operation
Keith has been working for the major flight simulation training device (FSTD) manufacturer over 20 years. His experience includes the FSTD software design, development, integration and testing. Keith was also working for several years as a platform lead engineer and, latterly, as baseline manager responsible for configuration control across all FSTDs for specific aircraft types, controlling simulation baselines, providing FSTD evaluation support internally and defining technical specifications to FSTD’s end users and also to regulators. Keith also has over 7 years of experience as a performance engineer working for major aircraft and aerospace equipment manufacturers. Over the past 4 years, Keith has been working as an accredited technical inspector carrying out FSTD technical evaluations and operator management system audits on behalf of the UK CAA nationally, and EASA internationally.
Kate Staples
Introduction to International Air Law
Kate is the General Counsel and Secretary to the UK CAA. She has joined the UK CAA in 2010. Her responsibilities include leading the in-house legal and enforcement teams, internal audit team and ensuring that the UK CAA properly identifies and addresses legal risks. Kate leads the innovation of the aviation regulatory framework in the UK CAA, to ensure that the framework not only keeps up with but is able easily to adapt to industry and technological developments. Kate is a trustee of the UK’s Air Travel Trust, which protect UK holidaymakers if their travel company goes out of business. Prior to joining the UK CAA, Kate was a legal adviser at the Department for Transport, advising on aviation law and, for a short time, railways infrastructure law.
Alain Quinquenel
Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Regulation
Submitting an Unmanned Aircraft System Safety Case
Alain is a Remotely Pilot Aircraft System (RPAS) Technical Surveyor within the UK CAA General Aviation (GA) and RPAS Unit. Alain has worked at the CAA for the past seven years, beginning in the Shared Service Centre (SSC) Flight Crew Licensing Department, processing licensing applications, before moving into the SSC Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Unit approximately 3.5 years ago. Alain has since developed his knowledge of the regulations from the ground up by initially assessing standard permission applications for commercial operators. Eighteen months ago, after progressing to Team Leader of the SSC UAS Unit, Alain accepted his current position of Technical Surveyor within the Safety and Airspace Regulation Group (SARG) GA and RPAS Unit. Since working in GA and RPAS, Alain has taken over as the lead focal point for CAA approved Recognised Assessment Entities (RAEs). He was heavily involved with the European Union Safety Agency (EASA) transition project which saw the implementation of a new set of UAS regulations within the UK at the end of 2020.
Dr Marie Langer
Effective Problem Solving and Root Cause Identification
Marie is working for the UK CAA as an Airworthiness Surveyor responsible for the regulatory oversight of UK training, maintenance and airworthiness organisations. As a Human Factors (HF) and Safety Management Systems (SMS) specialist she is working closely with industry and other regulatory agencies. Marie represents the UK CAA at EASA rulemaking groups and acts as the Deputy Chair for the Royal Aeronautical Society Human Factors Group: Engineering. She holds a PhD in Human Factors in Maintenance and has many years of teaching experience on MSc HF and SMS programmes. Marie is involved in design and delivery of HF and Root Cause identification training courses for UK CAA and external organisations.
Russell Woodland
Flight Operations Inspector Theory
Russell has been working with helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts in the aviation industry for 37 years. He has been operating short-haul and long-haul commercial aircrafts and has extensive experience in airline management. Since 2013 Russell has been working as a Flight Operations Inspector (FOI) for the UK CAA. He is currently working as Standards Lead within the UK CAA’s Flight Operations Department and is responsible for the initial and recurring training of all FOIs including standardisation checks. Russel was part of the team that wrote the EASA accredited CAAi Flight Operations Inspector Theory course. He has also assisted national authorities overseas with FOI training and oversight assistance. Russel is a Type Rating Instructor, Type Rating Examiner and Training Inspector for the UK CAA.
Graeme Ritchie
Aerodrome Certification
Aerodrome Operations
Graeme is an Aerodrome Inspector at the UK CAA, where he is responsible for the oversight of UK licensed aerodromes, covering aerodrome operations requirements. Following 14 years in industry in various airside operations management roles, he joined the UK CAA in 1999 as an Aerodrome Inspector. He moved into a policy role in 2007 developing requirements for UK aerodromes, becoming increasingly involved with the development of European requirements. Throughout this period, he was the UK representative on the ICAO Aerodrome Design Working Group. Additionally, he was one of the UK team on the rulemaking groups responsible for drafting EASA rules for aerodromes. He was head of the aerodrome function in the UK CAA between 2014 and late November 2016; his role was to lead and direct the team that provides the safety oversight of EASA certified and UK licensed aerodromes and heliports in the UK. He led the project to implement the EASA aerodromes rules in the UK and also led the aerodromes team through the introduction of the UK CAA Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) programme.
David MacMillan
Aerodrome Certification
Aerodrome Operations
David has nearly 50 years’ experience in the aviation industry. He has been with the UK CAA since 2010 as an aerodrome inspector auditing aerodromes, both in the UK and overseas. Prior to joining the UK CAA, David had been working in various airside operations roles, including senior management level at the UK four busiest airports. He also has seven years of experience working in the Air Traffic Control in control centres and aerodromes. David held Air Traffic Controller’s licence and Private Pilot’s licence. David is bringing extensive experience, on the operation of aerodromes and Air Traffic Control combined with the role of aerodrome inspector for the UK CAA, enhancing each training for practical aspect and enabling a better understanding of the topics.
Geoff Hackett
Understanding and preparing for DAOS Surveillance
EASA 21 G - Production Organisation Approval
Geoff has been working in the Military and Civil Aviation sectors for 38 years in the area of aviation Design and Production, and as an Airworthiness Regulator for the UK CAA. He has been conducting regulatory oversight of the aircraft Manufacturing and Design organisations on behalf of the UK CAA and Military Aviation Authority (MAA). Geoff is also a registered Professional Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE). Geoff has been presenting courses on the UK CAA and EASA regulatory requirements for 16 years. He brings his vast experience in the implementation and application of Civil and Military requirements to all courses that he delivers.
Adam Spurling
Security Management Systems
Adam has started working for the UK CAA in 2014 as a security compliance auditor. He is currently part of the UK CAA Security Management System (SeMS) leadership team. He has been participating in the continued roll out of the SeMS in the UK and a performance-based oversight approach for the UK CAA. Adam has also taken great part in writing the SeMS specific training and Aviation Security training. He has been delivering security trainings in the UK and internationally.
Kevin Sawyer
Managing Insider Risks
Threat Image Projection – Implementation and Analysis
Introduction to Security Culture
Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation Security
Kevin has 18 years of experience working in regulatory roles in the transport sector. Kevin has been working for the UK CAA since 2014, primarily in Aviation Security regulation but also in General Aviation and most recently as aviation security lead in CAAi. Prior to joining the UK CAA, Kevin spent 12 years with the Department for Transport in a variety of security-related roles ranging from compliance, policy, strategy and head of personnel security and vetting. Kevin has significant experience of working on a number of high-profile security events and policies both domestically and internationally with a focus on risk management. Kevin has an MSc in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management.
Kevin Sawyer
Managing Insider Risks
Threat Image Projection – Implementation and Analysis
Introduction to Security Culture
Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation Security
Kevin has 18 years of experience working in regulatory roles in the transport sector. Kevin has been working for the UK CAA since 2014, primarily in Aviation Security regulation but also in General Aviation and most recently as aviation security lead in CAAi. Prior to joining the UK CAA, Kevin spent 12 years with the Department for Transport in a variety of security-related roles ranging from compliance, policy, strategy and head of personnel security and vetting. Kevin has significant experience of working on a number of high-profile security events and policies both domestically and internationally with a focus on risk management. Kevin has an MSc in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management.
Diane Lintott
Security Management Systems
Training and Instructional Techniques
Di joined the CAA in 2012 and is an Aviation Security Compliance Auditor working in the Security Management Systems (SeMS) team. She has played a fundamental role in the development of SeMS and is working on progressing the CAA approach to Performance Based Oversight in the Aviation Security sector. Diane brings a wealth of experience, including border security, investigative interviewing and people development. She has previously delivered technical and soft skills training on behalf of CAA International, both internationally and in the UK.
Ben Wong
Threat Image Projection – Implementation and Analysis
Ben has over 20 years’ experience working in counter-terrorism science and technology, including ten years in the Department for Transport’s aviation security division. Ben has led European technical groups on explosives detection, and developed the European performance standards for cabin baggage explosive detection systems. Ben has provided technical programme oversight of multi-million pound cross-Whitehall research programmes for aviation security. At the UK CAA, Ben works alongside regulation, compliance and airport security teams to provide technical advice on aviation security.
Simon Cook
ICAO LPR: English Language Proficiency Examiner Training (ab initio)
ICAO LPR: English Language Proficiency Examiner Training (recurrent)
Simon has over 40 years’ experience in English language training and assessment. He has been involved in supporting the implementation of all aspects of the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) associated with the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements (ICAO LPRs) since the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale was first published in 2002. During this time, he has worked as a lead consultant to National Aviation Authorities, Air Navigation Service Providers, airlines, ATC and pilot training organisations, and language training organisations, supporting them in their understanding and application of the requirements. Simon was the lead developer of the English for Aviation Language Testing System (EALTS), the first test to achieve UK CAA approval, and a testing system that, to date, has been used worldwide in the language proficiency assessment of over 30,000 pilot and air traffic control personnel. Alongside his continuing work with the EALTS, he remains an active Aviation English trainer, instructor trainer, examiner trainer and materials developer. In 2016, Simon was registered as an Aviation English Proficiency Expert for the ICAO Technical Cooperation Programme.
Philippa Hammond
Training and Instructional Techniques
Philippa served 25 years as a frontline Immigration Officer, Learning and Development Officer and Manager with the Home Office UK Border Agency at Gatwick Airport. She is now an independent learning and development consultant, actor and voice artist, specialising in training and coaching Train the Trainer, Confident Public Speaking, Leadership and Employability essentials. Her bid won CAAi the contract to design a new 2019 Training And Instructional Techniques programme, which she delivered to EASA subject matter experts in Cologne. She brings a practical, brain-friendly, 70:20:10 approach to her events, dedicated to developing her delegates' confidence, knowledge and skill for leadership and management, training and business.
Darren Rhodes
Noise Modelling
Noise Management
Darren is a Chief Technical Noise Adviser for the UK CAA with more than 25 years experience in aviation noise management including noise modelling and assessment. In his role, Darren leads on providing technical advice on aircraft noise to support CAA and UK Government policy development and provides expert regulatory advice on environmental impacts of changes to airspace. Darren chairs the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Aircraft Noise Modelling Task Group (AIRMOD), and is a respected member of ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) working groups where he is coordinating noise analysis of supersonic aircraft. He has been advising the UK Department for Transport (DfT) for many years on all aircraft noise and some emissions matters. Darren holds a BEng (Hons) degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a PhD in aircraft noise. He is a co-author of the aeronautical engineering textbook, 'Civil Jet Aircraft Design'.
Kay Jones
Noise Management
Kay is a Principal in the International Group within the UK CAA, specialising in noise effects research. In her role Kay is responsible for managing projects involving analysis and research on the health effects of aircraft noise on humans, including annoyance, cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance and cognitive effects. Her work is used by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to assist in formulation of public policy. Kay is a member of the Aircraft Noise Management Advisory Committee (ANMAC) working group, and Airspace Noise Engagement Group (ANEG) where she advises on technical noise and health concepts. Prior to joining the UK CAA, Kay was a researcher at the University of Surrey in the Surrey Sleep Centre and School of Biomedical Sciences, working on studies into biological clock genes, circadian rhythms and sleep. She was also a Teaching Assistant on BSc (Hons) Psychology programme at Liverpool John Moores University and as a guest lecturer at Roehampton University MSc courses.
Ed Weston
Noise Modelling
Noise Management
Ed is Head of Environmental Research and Consultancy Department for the International Group, UK CAA. Ed has 17 years’ experience in acoustics and environmental noise including aircraft noise modelling and assessment, policy development and aviation noise management. In his role, Ed works closely with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) providing technical advice to support noise management and policy development. He also oversees aviation noise modelling and management work for commercial clients. Prior to joining the UK CAA, Ed provided aviation noise consultancy to airports and local authorities, and ongoing advice to the Greater London Authority on noise matters. Ed holds a Masters degree in Engineering, is a Chartered Engineer and a Corporate Member of Institute of Acoustics (MIOA).
Sue Adair
Cabin Safety Inspector Theory
Sue is a highly qualified auditor and inspector specialising in compliance with UK Civil Aviation Regulations - Aviation Law, European (EASA) regulations and Overseas Territories Aviation Regulations (OTARs) related to cabin crew safety procedures and training.
Sue's expertise is the design and delivery of Cabin Safety Inspector theory and practical training courses relating to the application of the regulations, including processes and procedures.
Sue has over 20 years as a Cabin Safety Inspector and Instructor with the UK CAA and CAA International, 19 years in UK Aviation Industry culminating in management and training of cabin and flight crew safety and first aid training.