Meet the team

Alex Whittingham

A former RAF TriStar Captain, Alex founded Bristol Groundschool in 1992 and authored most of the ATPL course material that has set the standard for ATPL theory training in the aviation training industry. Alex was also the first in the industry to develop computer-based training software to deliver ATPL theory courses online, and has taught thousands of BGS students over the last two decades, including Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson and English rugby union stars Rory and Tony Underwood.

Rod Wren

RAF Pilot: F4, Harrier, Nimrod & QFI. Previous Head of Training at Oxford Aviation Training and CTC Aviation Training. Founder of CTC Aviation Training. Rod is responsible for managing Customer Support and the production of course materials.

Gill Fowkes

A B2B and B2C Communications specialist with over 25 years’ experience for business development and marketing. Gill is responsible for managing customer and partner school relations and sales. She is also responsible for marketing and business development.

Peter Macdonald

Peter is our Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor following 24 years in the RAF he has extensive experience as an ATPL Instructor and CTKI in the UK and overseas. Peter’s main subjects are Flight Planning, Meteorology and Operational Procedures.

George Selman

George is our IT Coordinator who deals with our development partners and handles all technical support enquiries.

Anouska Pyke

Noush (Anouska) has been with the company for over 20 years and is the Training Manager, responsible for student administration including exam authorisation.

Justin Benniman

Justin is our Customer Relations Advisor. He is responsible for supporting the consumer sales process. He has a vast range of experience, including as a Captain for Solenta Aviation in South Africa.

Henry Blight

Henry is our Wings Alliance Training Administrator. He is responsible for administrating the Wings Alliance programme and supporting the BGS Sales and Marketing team. Henry is also training to become a Commercial Pilot and has a PPL licence.

Matt Hayes

One of our team of full-time instructors. With extensive commercial helicopter experience as a pilot, manager and consultant in the UK, Africa and Middle East, Matt teaches Mass & Balance, Air Law, Human Performance and AGK.

Chris Keane

One of our team of full-time instructors. Chris was an army helicopter pilot/instructor for many years, and teaches AGK and Mass & Balance, and helps out on other subjects.

John Crosland

One of our Instructors has a background in the RAF as a Flight Engineer and an extensive career as an ATPL Ground Instructor. John’s specialist subjects are Air Law, Human Performance and Radio Navigation.

Sue Wivell

Sue is our Accounts Administrator, responsible for doing the accounts for the organisation.

Mel Pradalie

Mel is our Customer accounts coordinator, working on partner school relations and sales.

Chloe Venn

Chloe is a member of our Marketing and Sales team. She is responsible for processing orders and dispatch of training materials.

Becki Couch

Becki is our Digital Marketing Executive and is responsible for Bristol Groundschool’s digital marketing and communications.