Post published:14/09/2018
Post category:Latest Member News
Reading time:4 mins read

Gloucestershire Airport – 12 September 2018: Three leading figures in aviation training are today announcing the launch of Skyborne, a new airline training academy set to meet the ever-increasing demands of the industry, with innovative, airline-focused training.

Aviation training entrepreneur Tom Misner (Chairman), Lee Woodward, previously business development director at CTC Aviation (CEO) and Ian Cooper, former operations director at CAE (COO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. Together they aim to establish the finest and most trusted airline training academy in the industry.

The new academy will welcome its first intake of cadets in October 2018, following the completion of a purpose built, state-of-the-art training facility at Gloucestershire Airport and will initially offer full-time frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (fATPL) training.

Lee Woodward, Skyborne CEO, says: “Our vision is that every trainee should graduate with the tools they need to really thrive in their chosen career. There is high demand for competent, suitable and resilient individuals in aviation. Our bespoke and airline-focused academy means we will be able to deliver such excellence.

“We have chosen Gloucestershire Airport as our home base due to its reputation as one of the top general aviation airports in the UK and its outstanding links to several British cities. Trainees will benefit significantly from our state-of-the-art facilities, complete with the country’s first Boeing 737 Max FTD1 flight simulator. From the flight operations centre, they will have direct access to a dedicated ramp with a short taxi to the runway. It is a great location from which to become completely immersed in the world of commercial airline pilot training.”

The leadership team’s extensive experience sees Skyborne adopting an entirely fresh approach to airline pilot training through progressive continuous learning (PCL) and a focus on quality rather than quantity.

Woodward continues: “We aim to ensure the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant airline-style training is maintained and interactive instruction encouraged. After all, airline crew training should be as much about building strength of character as developing the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this diverse and often challenging industry.”

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For more information, please contact 8020 Communications.

E-Mail: skyborne@8020comms.com

Telephone: +44 (0)1483 447380

About Skyborne Airline Academy

Skyborne Airline Academy is a modern airline training academy based at Gloucestershire Airport in the United Kingdom, newly established by industry experts, bringing a fresh approach to airline pilot training.

The Academy offers full-time frozen Airline Transport Pilot License (fATPL) training. All training is conducted from its state-of-the-art facility at Gloucestershire Airport, complete with the UK’s first Boeing 737 Max FTD1 flight simulator. Trainees will also spend training periods at California Aeronautical University (CAU) and Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).

Founders Tom Misner (chairman), Lee Woodward (CEO) and Ian Cooper (COO) have unsurpassed experience in commercial aviation, education and training. It is their vision to create a training environment where the highest standard of teaching, safety and relevant
airline-style training is maintained and interactive instruction encouraged.

Using a combination of tried and tested methods and the latest technology to assess competence, suitability, aptitude and resilience, Skyborne aims to recruit the very best candidates to minimise additional training, reduce failure rates and provide airlines with better pilots and cabin crew.

Skyborne wants to partner with leading international airlines to offer the best possible career opportunities for its graduates. https://skyborne.com/

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British Business and General Aviation Association

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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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