Leading Edge Aviation Celebrates Graduation of Class of 2023

OXFORD, UK — 17 May 2023 — Leading Edge Aviation hosted its 2023 graduation ceremony on 12 May beneath the wings of the iconic Concorde at Aerospace Bristol. The event was a celebration of the hard-earned achievements of our 68 graduates, attended by over 250 family members, friends, and representatives from the aviation industry and major airlines.

Presentation of the ‘Graduate of the Year’ Award to Vicky Watson by Jonathan Hinkles, Chief Executive of Loganair Limited

Katie Broadhurst, Chief Talent Officer at Leading Edge Aviation, said, “The graduation ceremony not only marked the end of their rigorous training but also highlighted the dedication and resilience they demonstrated throughout. These qualities have been integral to their success on their journey to becoming pilots.”

At Leading Edge Aviation, we pride ourselves on delivering an unparalleled training experience. By harnessing cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality, advanced simulators, and personalised virtual learning, we have supported our students every step of the way. Our seasoned instructors and state-of-the-art facilities have fostered an environment that encourages both learning and growth.

Presentation of the ‘Best in Flight Training’ Award to graduate Danny Flood by Jonathan Hinkles, Chief Executive of Loganair Limited

A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of our special award winners, honouring students who displayed remarkable achievements in their respective areas. The awards were presented on behalf of Leading Edge Aviation by Jonathan Hinkles, Chief Executive of Loganair. Ben Glasgow-Smith was recognised with the ‘Best in Ground School’ award for his hard work, grasp of theoretical concepts and a stellar academic record. Danny Flood was conferred the ‘Best in Flight Training’ award for his remarkable practical skills, earning first-time passes in all skills tests. The ‘Graduate of the Year 2023’ award was given to Vicky Watson for her excellent results, exceptional leadership, and embodiment of the academy’s values. The ‘Exceptional Contribution to Academy life’ award was bestowed upon Paul Hodgetts, acknowledging his significant positive impact on the academy community. We applaud these individuals for their achievements and contributions to Leading Edge Aviation.

“We’re extremely proud to see our graduates, now ready to take to the skies, having honed their skills and character during their time with us” Broadhurst added. “We remain committed to supporting them and look forward to seeing them excel in their professional roles.”

As an innovative aviation academy, Leading Edge Aviation is committed to its mission to foster the next generation of pilots. We place a strong emphasis on technology-driven, personalised learning, and real-world experience to ensure our students are well-prepared to navigate their careers amidst the rapid advancements in the aviation industry. The journey and achievements of our graduates not only stand as a testament to this commitment but also serve as an inspiration for future students. Through their stories, we continue to motivate and shape tomorrow’s aviation professionals while continually enhancing our training programmes to align with the evolving needs of the industry.

For those considering a career in aviation, Leading Edge Aviation offers comprehensive training programmes and ongoing career support.

For additional information about Leading Edge Aviation, please visit our website or contact us.

-ENDS-

About Leading Edge Aviation

Leading Edge Aviation is a growing pilot training academy with bases in Oxford, UK, and Alhama, Spain. Our unique approach prioritises holistic training that goes beyond technical skills. We offer top-tier regulatory technical training complemented by a professional and personal development curriculum that hones non-technical skills.

Our offerings include modular courses such as 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), and our LEAP (Leading Edge Airline Preparation) course. We also provide a full-time integrated course with a BSc degree and a comprehensive graduate airline selection preparation workshop.

Our students at both the London Oxford Airport and Alhama base receive wellbeing support and have access to advanced learning aids. Through virtual and mixed reality tech, and neuro training techniques, we ensure our students not only acquire new knowledge and skills but also refine them, producing pilots who are airline ready with robust 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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