STUART HUGHES

DIRECTOR OF AVIATION
An aviation expert, Stuart Hughes is a senior professional pilot instructor and examiner, with more than 46 years of aviation experience – principally in the Professional Flying Training and Charter Aviation disciplines. Born in Great Britain, but with global citizenship around the world, Mr. Hughes has experience in working with multinationals. He has achieved leadership roles in aviation and management, and has exhibited extraordinary qualities in decision making and organizational success.

A highly motivated team member, Mr. Hughes often calls upon his skills to act independently or in collaboration with others to ensure a task is completed. His ability to remain flexible, yet decisive, allows him to excel in the dynamic nature of an aviation organization. He has proven leadership skills involving managing, developing and motivating teams to achieve their objectives. First-class analytical, course design and implementation skills, combined with more than 17,000 flying hours worldwide, allow Mr. Hughes to dedicate himself to improving flight safety and ensuring the highest-flying standards.

Mr. Hughes is rated and current on: 
  • Robinson R22 Series/R44 series 
  • SA 341/342 Gazelle 
  • Bell 206 JetRanger Series 
  •  AS 350 A Star Series 
  • AS 355 Twin Star Series    
  • Augusta 109 Series

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Successfully steered Cabair College of Air Training to JAR-FCL 2 Status
  • Instrumental in introducing British Military Helicopter Flying Training System to UAE AF 
  • Opened first Helicopter Flying Training School for Nigerian Air Force 
  • Completed 22 years of service with British Military 

The aviation career of Stuart Hughes has encompassed the core services of corporate flying, instruction and examination, as well as the administration and maintenance of aviation organisations, Mr. Hughes is licenced with UK CAA ATPL(H)/IR AT/201885C/HG, JAA CPL(H)/IR . His experience includes FIC Instructor, TRI(H) AW 109 Series/AS355 Series, Ex CFS A2 and Master Green IRE,CAA Authorised FIE (H), CAA Authorised FE(H), TRE/IRR(H) 170A Signatory for CPL and IR Skill Tests, CAA Authorised Ground Examiner (H)  

Mr. Hughes has enjoyed a lengthy and enviable career. A few highlights include: 
  • Chief Pilot for Hadleigh Partners with Augusta A109, commanding extensive corporate flights in Eire, Scotland, England, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France 
  • Freelance work with Air Harrods, Cabair and Examining, running instructor seminars with On-Track Aviation • Chief Flying Instructor (Helicopters) – Cabair College of Air Training 
  • Carried out ad-hoc charter and aerial work flights for Cabair Helicopters • Managed Helicopter Flying School, planning and implementing flying training 
  • Created and maintained course syllabi in accordance with JAR-FCL 2 
  • Assigned tasks and oversaw instructors and students 
  • Instructed and examined on Commercial Pilot Licence, Instrument 
  • Member of training working group in the British Helicopter Association 
  • Analysed, planned and designed military training programme for Helicopter Training in the United Arab Emirates Air Force 
  • Wrote and prepared Training material for the several courses in the programme 
  • Instructed and Examined Air Force staff as part of a Standardisation programme 
  • Implemented Instructor Training in the UAE AF 

As a member of the British Military history, Mr. Hughe’s accomplishments include: 
  • Gained Army Wings on 237 APC February 1975 
  • BAOR Front Line Squadron as Recce Pilot, flying the Gazelle 
  • Passed Central Flying School (CFS) No. 183 QHI course October 1979 
  • Instructed at School of Army Aviation, Middle Wallop 
  • Served as Squadron Qualified Helicopter Instructor on VIP Squadron in Germany 
  • Returned to instructional duties at Middle Wallop and attained CFS A2 category 
  • Completed 22 years of service in May 1984, having amassed almost 4,000 hour on the Gazelle 

Mr. Hughes has been the Chief Pilot for Azikel Air for more than 5 years before his appointment as Director of Aviation. He now transforms his professional flying knowledge into operations management, ensuring the safe and success of Azikel Air and Azikel Group. Mr. Hughes plays tennis, cricket, soccer and rugby; he loves cooking and flying. He is a member of BHA and GAPAN. 
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