I have been interested in model railways for as long as I can remember, but only really started serious modelling once I joined Crawley Model Railway Society. With the knowledge base in the club I managed to learn various skills and new ideas on ways of approaching different aspects of the hobby, many that I may not have contemplated, and some that I still wouldn't!
Since joining the club I have held the position of Deputy Chairman, Layout Leader for the N Gauge layout “West Tilgate” and Exhibition Manager. Due to family commitments (the arrival of my Daughter in 2011) I have unfortunately had to part company with the club but continue with my own modelling as well as assisting with friends’ layouts. To fund my interests I unfortunately have to work, which is a big distraction from modelling at times and does generally get in the way.
I am employed by Virgin Atlantic Airways as a Technical Operations Engineer based near London Gatwick. In truth it's actually quite an enjoyable and satisfying job, although 12 hour night shifts can be a bit of a slog!
Bullseye! I was quite pleased with my parking after a high power run on this A330-300.
I started work as an Apprentice Avionics Engineer straight from school for four years, then spent the following eight years as an Avionics Technician. I then gained my CAA JAR-66 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s License in the B2 (Avionics) category, which was closely followed with promotion to Avionics Certifying Engineer. Since my promotion I also gained categories A, B1 & C to my basic licence which allows me to certify virtually all aspects of the aircraft types I hold approvals on. In June 2016 I transferred into the Technical Operations department, providing oversight and guidance of the VAA fleet, wherever they may be in the world.
External inspection of B787-9
G-VSPY prior to delivery from Boeing in Charleston.
On the approvals front I currently hold full B1 & B2 approvals on the following:
Airbus A319/20/21 IAE V2500
Airbus A318/19/20/21 CFM56 (including borescope)
Airbus A330 GE CF6 (including borescope)
Airbus A330 Rolls Royce Trent 700 (including borescope, high power engine run & taxi)
Airbus A340 CFM56 (including borescope)
Airbus A340 Rolls Royce Trent 500 (including borescope)
Boeing 747-400 GE CF6 (including borescope, high power engine run & taxi)
Boeing 787-8/9 Rolls Royce Trent 1000 (including high power engine run & taxi)
I am also a Practical Instructor and Assessor on all the above types.
Another little hobby I have which developed from work is flying. Unfortunately I don’t fly too often these days, largely due to the huge expense now, and the fact that I have let my licence lapse into a "frozen" state. It wouldn’t take much to activate again though, and once I start getting more spare time I will get back in the air.