High Flight
Training Solutions
"Committed to Excellence"
Training for General Aviation and Commercial pilots
A UK CAA Approved Training Organisation
BIO
Like many others, I don't recall a time in my life when I didn't want to fly. My journey in aviation started in August 1976, when, having left school (somewhat earlier than I'd expected) I took my first trial lesson in a PA28-140 (G-BDSH,) at Nottingham / Tollerton airport. I eventually completed my PPL training in September 1977 and went on to do what most 18 year old PPL's do, namely, infringe lots of airspace around the UK. I subsequently joined the RAF in 1978 (having been trying since 1975....). Following flying training in the RAF I flew the C-130 in the tactical role with No 47 Squadron. After completing two tours (six years) I then moved to instructing on the Jet Provost in North Yorkshire in 1988 as part of a transition to fast jet flying. As far as I can tell I'm still transitioning (in a piloty way that is...).
After achieving an A2 qualification (above average) I was selected for a three year NATO exchange in Canada flying the CT114 with the Canadian Armed Forces at Canadian Forces Base "Moose Jaw" in Saskatchewan. I completed my tour as the Chief Standards Officer for No 2 Canadian Forces Flight Training School and also achieved an assessment as an A1 instructor and pilot ( "exceptional", their words not mine, it says it on the certificate, I'm way too modest to mention it though...). Following my time in Canada I returned to the UK and became on instructor at the RAF Central Flying School at RAF Scampton and taught the RAF instructors course on the Shorts Tucano. Eventually, in search of further adventures, and at the insistence of my close friend Mav, (and to escape the Lincolnshire drizzle) I then volunteered for loan service with British Aerospace (now BAE systems) and spent two years in Saudi Arabia teaching on the PC9 at the King Faisal Air Academy in Riyadh. It was a tax free salary, but that had nothing to do with my decision.... .
I left the RAF in 1996 after completing almost 19 years of service and entered commercial aviation, initially on the A340 flying long haul routes. After five years of being constantly tired, I joined Easyjet as a Captain on the B737-300, and subsequently the A320. I was involved in training for most of my 19 years with Easyjet, progressing through Line training, Type Rating Instructor, Type Rating Examiner, Senior Examiner and ultimately moving into management.
My first management position was Flight Operations Manager responsible for Operational and Training Standards, from that position I was promoted to Chief Training Captain, a position I maintained until stepping down in 2017.
Throughout my military and commercial flying, I have maintained an involvement in GA having gained my FI(A) in 1988, and have subsequently achieved PPL Flight Examiner and SEP Flight Instructor Examiner qualifications. Throughout, I have always tried to deliver high quality training maintaining an emphasis on "real world" skills, and equally important I have always tried to maintain the motivation of my students and to ensure that flying is what it should be to all of us., fun. After all, that's why we got into flying in the first place!
Safe Flying!
Chris .
I know I'm not smiling, but if you were trying to land a Cub from the back whilst taking a selfie, you wouldn"t either...
