LEADING EDGE AVIATION CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF TURNING PILOTS’ DREAMS INTO REALITY

Leading Edge Aviation proudly celebrates its 5th Anniversary on 3^rd October embodying a dynamic journey of turning aspiring pilots’ dreams into reality. Over the past five years, Leading Edge has continuously pushed the boundaries to reshape how pilot training is delivered, investing in superior training facilities, utilising cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methods to deliver world-class commercial pilot training.

Starting with just two students Leading Edge Aviation began its mission to transform commercial pilot training. Today, it stands as a fast-growing, well respected pilot training academy with 262 students currently at various stages of training. The academy’s impressive 99% pass rate is a glowing testament to the quality and effectiveness of the Leading Edge training experience.

In these remarkable five years, Leading Edge has trained 664 students, flying over 62,000 hours, with each student embarking on a transformative journey from ambitious learners to commercial pilots.

CEO Andy McFarlane reflects, “Our five-year journey is one of continuous evolution, staying ahead of the curve, and redefining pilot training. Our ongoing investment in the best facilities and cutting-edge technology has been fundamental in providing superior training. We’re not just training pilots; we’re moulding future captains who will shape the future of aviation. The recognition from airlines regarding the quality of our students is a testament to the level of training we provide, as we continue to invest in our commitment to making flying dreams a reality for many more aspiring pilots.”

To celebrate their five-year milestone Leading Edge are launching an ‘All the Fives’ promotion to help more aspiring pilots to start their journey. They are offering a £5,000 bursary to the first five students who sign up for 5 upcoming LEAP integrated courses. Full details are available on the Leading Edge website.

Key Achievements:

Expanding Training Operations & Capabilities: Over the last 5 years Leading Edge has made a substantial investment in an A320 simulator in September 2020, three DA42 simulators and, the establishment of a fair-weather training base in Alhama, Spain in September 2022. Demonstrating Leading Edge’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted training and a conducive learning environment for its students.

Fleet Expansion: Growing to a fleet 12 x DA40, 6 x DA42 and aT67 aircraft, with 5 further DA40’s arriving this week, Leading Edge has significantly enhanced its training capacity, offering students unparalleled hands-on flight experience.

Technological Advancements: Continuous investment in state-of-the-art technology ensures a modernised training environment, propelling students ahead in the digital aviation landscape. Winning an award in 2021 for our Augmented Reality Experience A320 cockpit simulation, Leading Edge has established a modernised approach to training, especially supporting students during their APS MCC course. Furthermore, the launch of the VECTOR distance learning programme for remote ground school in 2022 has displayed our adaptability and commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced learning experiences.

Dual Licensing Initiative: Introduced in 2022, the Dual Licensing programme positioned Leading Edge as one of only two schools offering this unique opportunity at that time, broadening the horizons for our students in the global aviation arena.

Best-in-Class Instructors: Attracting and retaining the industry’s most seasoned instructors has been instrumental in moulding competent, confident pilots ready for the global stage. Our instructors range from current and former commercial and military pilots with a wide range of experience and backgrounds including other flying schools through to new instructors.

Airline Partnerships & Graduate Success: Leading Edge Aviation has continued to build strong relationships with the industry with graduates now working in over 20 leading airlines. Recently becoming a nominated provider for the British Airways Whitetail Recruitment Programme, Leading Edge continues to open exciting avenues for its graduates within premier airlines through its industry leading Graduate Services.

Holistic Training Approach: Leading Edge’s “whole pilot” approach, which incorporates the core skills needed beyond flight training, has been crucial in creating well-rounded pilots equipped with all the skills to secure roles with leading airlines and become future captains.

The Leading Edge Aviation leadership team are proud to have built a successful ATO that has done things differently, built around the needs of students and creating a ‘family feel’ that all who attend Leading Edge can attest to. With a focus on making pilot training accessible to all, Leading Edge are continuing to promote diversity with 17% of students being female and growing numbers of students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The unique tradition of issuing “lucky pants” to students entering the Instrument Rating stage has added a humorous yet confidence building element to their rigorous training and reflects the fun side of the organisation.

Looking forward to the future, the ethos of Leading Edge Aviation remains unaltered – to continue to invest in making dreams of becoming a pilot come true by creating pilot training with an edge that combines state of the art facilities, cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methods, to deliver world-class commercial pilot training that creates future captain.

-ENDS-

For further information about Leading Edge Aviation or to schedule an interview with CEO Andy McFarlane, please contact:

Maria Heckel

Head of Marketing

Email: Maria.heckel@leadingedgeaviation.com

Mobile: 07545315207

More about the ‘All the Fives’ Promotion

Leading Edge Aviation are offering a £5,000 bursary for 5 individuals on 5 of our Leap integrated courses. The eligible courses are:-

Course Start Date

LEAP – 045 30/11/23

LEAP – 046 04/01/24

LEAP – 047 01/02/24

LEAP – 048 07/03/24

LEAP – 049 04/04/24

The promotion runs from 3^rd October to 31^st December 2023. Full terms and conditions are available on the Leading Edge website https://leadingedgeaviation.com/high-five-to-5-years/

More about Leading Edge Aviation

Leading Edge Aviation is a rapidly expanding pilot training academy with a fresh approach and an emphasis on holistic training. Offering the highest standards of regulatory technical training, students also benefit from a comprehensive professional and personal development curriculum to enhance non-technical skills.

Leading Edge delivers modular (including Ground School, MECPL, CBIR, MEIR, uMAP (university Modular Airline Preparation), A-UPRT (Advanced Upset Prevention Recovery Training), APC MCC (Airline Pilot Standards Multi Crew Co-operation), LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course; a full-time integrated course with BSc degree and a comprehensive graduate airline selection preparation workshop.

Based at London Oxford Airport, Leading Edge students receive wellbeing support, along with the most advanced learning aids. Virtual and mixed reality tech, and neuro training techniques are used to embed and refine new knowledge and skills, creating pilots who enter the industry airline ready, with strong leadership skills.

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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