Meet our instructors
- Extensive regulatory and industry experience
- Members of EASA rulemaking and ICAO working groups
- Qualified training and professional development experts
We are pleased to introduce you to our course instructors; practising UK CAA regulators and world-renowned industry experts.
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.
Simon Roberts
Graham Wheeler
Colin Greenwood
Nicole Herrington
Dorota Broom
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. She 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.
Richard Moriarty
Richard was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in May 2018 having previously joined the UK CAA Board in January 2016 as Group Director of Consumers and Markets and Deputy Chief Executive. In that role he was responsible for airline licensing, the ATOL scheme, the economic regulation of airports and air navigation providers, our competition powers, and our consumer redress and enforcement activities. Before joining the UK CAA Richard was the CEO of the Legal Services Board, which oversees the regulation of the legal profession in England and Wales. Richard has also held senior public and private sector roles in a number of regulated sectors including water, energy, aviation, postal communications, and social housing. Richard is a non-executive director of The Social Housing Regulator.
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.
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 newly created International Group with accountability for the CAA’s advisory arm (CAAi), the CAA’s State Safety Partnership programme and engagement with international institutions such as EASA, ICAO and the European Parliament.
Silke Buckley
Silke Buckley is the Senior Manager for International Operations Training at Civil Aviation Authority – CAA International.
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
Matthew joined the CAAi in 2009 and was appointed Head of International Operations for the Middle East, Africa and Americas in 2018. Matthew leads a multidisciplinary technical assistance and project management team across CAAi’s delivery function for some of the strategically significant regions for the UK CAA. He is also responsible for international examination and licensing services. Matthew has 19 years’ experience working in the aviation industry, including to Chief Executive and Board level, and holds a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from the Oxford Brookes University.
Maria N. Rueda
Maria joined CAAi in 2011 and was appointed to the position of Managing Director in 2015. Maria is responsible for setting the long-term strategic vision for CAAi and establishing and maintaining senior stakeholder engagement and key partnerships. Maria has over 23 years of experience in the aviation sector and holds MSc in Airports and Air Navigation Services as well as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering.
Maria Rueda
Maria joined CAAi in 2011 and was appointed to the position of Managing Director in 2015. Maria is responsible for setting the long-term strategic vision for CAAi and establishing and maintaining senior stakeholder engagement and key partnerships. Maria has over 23 years of experience in the aviation sector and holds MSc in Airports and Air Navigation Services as well as BSc in Aeronautical Engineering.
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.Â
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.Â
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
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.
Joshua Keep
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)
Josh has worked in the field of aviation operations in dynamic customer centric markets, with exposure across Europe, Middle East and Africa supporting a range of fixed and rotary wing; passengers, cargo, special mission and executive operators. Working with the UK CAA in Flight Operations for the last four years, regulating Commercial Air Transport, Non-Commercial Complex and Specialised Operations. In addition to oversight work, Josh has been an SMS focal for the last three and half years and has been delivering SMS Basic and Advanced courses since then, as well as air ops specific elements on tailored made courses and has also provided specialist regulatory advice in support of CAAI’s tasking in overseas projects.. As well as working with CAA International, Josh also enjoys conducting training and coaching for Inspectors within Flight Operations department.
Josh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management and is currently studying for a Masters at Cranfield University. Complimenting his academic qualification is practical experience in Network Management and Operational Control, however his real passion is in implementing, managing and appraising Safety and Compliance Management Systems. This work has seen him involved in numerous start-ups AOC’s as well as supporting airworthiness colleagues for continuing airworthiness management organisations that have mandatory requirements for an SMS under Part-CAMO.
David Asgeirsson
Evidence-Based Training for Flight Operations InspectorsÂ
David is a Flight Operations (Training) Inspector for the UK CAA and a Subject Matter Expert on Competency and Evidence-Based Training (EBT). He is an advisor to the ICAO Personnel Training and Licensing Panel. In his previous role as a Head of Training for an A320/A330 European airline, he introduced Competency-Based Training and Mixed-EBT. David is a qualified Multi-pilot licence (MPL) Instructor and was a consultant for large Approved Training Organisations, providing MPL courses and EBT support for various airlines. David participated in the development of the EBT Instructor Course for IATA. He holds a qualification as an EBT Course Tutor.
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.
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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
NAA Inspector - Flight Operations Inspector Theory
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 & SurveillanceÂ
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
Flight Time LimitationsÂ
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.
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
Airworthiness
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 - IntroductionÂ
Safety Management Systems - Small OrganisationsÂ
Safety Management Systems for Small Organisations - Blended Training CourseÂ
Safety Management Systems - Principles and ApplicationsÂ
Safety Management Systems - Principles and Applications (MAvA)
Safety Management (Advanced) - Evaluating EffectivenessÂ
Safety Management Systems Refresher Training
Advanced Safety Management Systems - Evaluating for Effectiveness - Virtual (Asia Region)
Root Cause Analysis
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
Airworthiness
EASA Part 21 G Production Organisation Approval
EASA Part 145 Maintenance Training Approval
EASA Part M Continuing Airworthiness
Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems
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 an Aviation Risk and Performance Based Regulation (PBR) Principal within the Safety and Business Delivery department. She is responsible for driving 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 is currently pursuing the MSc in Aviation Safety Management, Risk and Regulation at Cranfield University.
Ray Forster
Risk-Based Oversight and Surveillance
Ray is the Safety Risk Management Lead for the Safety and Airspace Regulation Group of the UK CAA. He is responsible for the development and application of the systems and processes used for oversight of how the UK aviation industry manages the safety risks. Before joining the UK CAA, Ray was a military Air Traffic Controller and manager for 30 years. Ray has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Air Safety Management and is a member of 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.
Nicole Herrington
Risk Monitoring and Safety Performance
Safety Management Systems - IntroductionÂ
Safety Management Systems - Small OrganisationsÂ
Safety Management Systems for Small Organisations - Blended Training CourseÂ
Safety Management Systems - Principles and ApplicationsÂ
Safety Management Systems - Principles and Applications (MAvA)
Safety Management (Advanced) - Evaluating EffectivenessÂ
Safety Management Systems Refresher Training
Advanced Safety Management Systems - Evaluating for Effectiveness - Virtual (Asia Region)
Nicole works as an Intelligence Lead AAA in the Safety Performance and Risk department of the UK CAA. Her responsibilities include data analysis and consolidation of intelligence sources for the identification and articulation of industry risks, as well as risk assessment. Prior to joining the UK CAA, Nicole flew commercially for a private charter operation, and then went on to hold Safety Management roles. As a Safety Manager she worked to promote the SMS as an engine for change by empowering front line personnel to engage with the process through reporting to drive safety and production improvements for the organisation.
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.
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
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)
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 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.Â
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.
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.
Kirsty Wells
Security Management Systems
Kirsty has 14 years of experience working in the Aviation Industry, namely within Aviation Security, Business Resilience and Emergency Planning. Kirsty joined the UK CAA in 2015 as the Security Management Systems (SeMS) Aviation Security Manager and more recently the senior role of SeMS Programme Lead. She has been leading the UK CAA development and progress of SeMS since that time, collaboratively working with both Industry and International partners. Kirsty has been participating in the continued roll out of SeMS in the UK, looking at the area of a Performance-Based Oversight approach for the UK CAA. Kirsty has played a key role in the development of the SeMS training, delivering this both within the UK and Internationally.
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.
Sabrina Brookfield
Cyber Security Oversight in Aviation
Sabrina is the Policy Lead for Cyber Security in the UK CAA. She is responsible for cyber aviation policy feeding into regulatory cyber security oversight in the UK, ensuring there is a proportionate and effective approach that enables aviation to manage cyber security risks without compromising aviation safety, security or resilience. Sabrina has previously worked in the finance sector in various roles such as risk, threat intelligence and liaison officer. She holds CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and ISO27001 Lead Auditor. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Business.
Nicky Keeley
Cyber Security Oversight in Aviation
Nicky leads the team responsible for aviation regulatory cyber security oversight in the UK. She aims to have a proportionate and effective approach that enables aviation to manage cyber security risks without compromising aviation safety, security or resilience. Having worked in a variety of industries in various governance, risk, compliance and technical information security roles, Nicky brings a wealth of experience in the management of cyber security risks and transformation of cyber security oversight. Nicky is a qualified CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and ISO27001 Lead Auditor, she also holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Technology.
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. Â 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).
Asimina Voskaki
Aviation and the Environment
Asimina is a Senior Manager - International Development and the subject matter expert on the environment in CAAi. She is a PhD Researcher at Cranfield University working on analysing the risk of climate hazards to aviation. Before joining the CAA, Asimina worked as a consultant supporting local authorities in understanding the risks coming from natural hazards and adopting effective land use planning policies. As a consultant, she carried out studies covering environmental assessments and transport sustainable development elements. Asimina is passionate about climate resilience and using her skills to support adaptation to a changing climate. She is actively involved in science communication-related activities, and she is a member of the editorial team of the European Geosciences Union Natural Hazards Division Blog. She has published articles in scientific journals and international conferences on climate risk and environmental management issues at airports. Asimina holds a BSc in earth sciences, an MSc in environmental planning and design of infrastructure systems and an MSc by Research in airport environmental strategy assessment and water management efficiency.