Richard (Richie) is a former Defence Weapon Systems Operator (WSOp) Aircrewman, Instructor and Training Officer with 33 years of experience in the Royal Air Force (RAF). During this time he flew over 6,000 flying hours on Fixed Wing and Rotary aircraft (Puma HC1/HC2, Hercules C130J mk4/5, Chinook mk2,4,5).
Richie also spent 4 years on the UK’s MQ9 Reaper RPAS programme operating in the Middle East and the USA. Most recently he was employed with a Defence contractor as an AIR Command and Control, Air Land Integration (ALI), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Close Air Support (CAS) Subject Matter Expert..
In recognition of his achievements and service in the RAF Richie was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010.
With significant depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in worldwide operations, his experience lies in the operational sphere and the training required. He has a working knowledge of UK, NATO and US Defence standards, structures and processes, operational doctrine, concepts and capabilities in support of ISR, CAS, ALI and aviation warfare domains.
Richie is highly skilled in devising complex tactical operations with a strong talent for personal training and a solid reputation for developing exceptional tactical capacity in trainees.
Richie completed the original PfCO course in July 2020 and has since gone on and converted to the GVC and A2 CofC.
Richie has a proven history of outstanding Leadership, Training Tactical Planning and Orchestration. This has been enhanced during his 4 years on the UK’s RPAS programme operating in the Middle East and the USA. He has a known capacity for communicating and influencing stakeholders at all military and civilian levels, able to cultivate cultures of inclusivity, personal responsibility and drive.
Richie is a very keen skier and rarely misses a season!
Learn how to fly from the best: all of our trainers are ex-military aviators with a wealth of experience in training and instruction.