PERSONNEL
JAMES BROWN
James is the founder and Managing Director of REFLIGHT AIRWORKS. His interest in aviation started at a very young age, and a childhood of model aircraft building andflying increased his interest on both flying and engineering fronts. Having a father who was both an engineer and keen private pilot it was not long before they started their first aircraft project. Following his fathers’ example of homebuilding aircraft, James started his first full size aircraft project at the age of 16. After leaving school he attained an Airline Transport Pilots Licence at the age of 19 leading to a career with British Airways. This included flying the Boeing 737, 777 and 747 and has flown in excess of 10,00hours to date. James also is the recipient of The Masters Medal from the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators.
ADAM LEWIS
Adam has also been fascinated by aviation and engineering since an early age. Again starting with model aircraft and helicopters and culminating with his present day responsibilities of looking after many of the UK’s top level high performance aerobatic aircraft. Starting through companies in Shropshire and leading to W.L.A.C. engineering, Adam has amassed a wealth of information on a great variety of aircraft and engineering techniques. Adam is also a keen aerobatic pilot with many successes at national aerobatic competitions. Adam’s positive work ethic and immense knowledge of aircraft construction and systems makes him a obvious choice as one of REFLIGHT AIRWORKS core people.
MARK DAVIES
Mark started his association with aircraft at an early age with the Air Cadet organization. This then lead to a full time career in the Royal Air Force as an Engineer, with responsibilities that ranged from TornadoF3 aircraft right across to high performance sailplanes. After gaining his Pilots licence his passion for aerobatics grew, and this lead to a the operation of various Pitts Special aircraft whilst competing on the domestic aerobatic competition circuit. After leaving the Air Force Mark gained his Civil engineering qualifications and initially became the UK representative for GROB for a period of 6 years. A natural progression to owning his own engineering company followed, and with fellow engineer Andy Booth Swiftair-maintenance was formed. Mark was then asked to join the REFLIGHT AIRWORKS GROUP and we were very pleased when he agreed. He brings with him a fantastic depth of knowledge and engineering approvals that range from traditional engineering right through to advanced composite techniques. Working at our shared facility at Leicester, Mark is a vital part of REFLIGHT AIRWORKS and shares the positive can-do work ethic that runs through our entire organization.
PAUL BAISDEN
Paul is a founder member of REFLIGHT AIRWORKS and brings a knowledge of engineering and engineering processes that few can match. HoldingCAA ISO 9000 Welding approval, his component fabrication skills are second to none. He has also worked on numerous aerospace projects for the military on such items as, HUD mounts, Air Ground radar systems, Munitions hardpoints and transportation systems. He is also a keen aerobatic pilot, and in true REFLIGHT manner, when he decided he needed an aircraft to fly, he built one! The build of DR107 G-IIPB is part of a REFLIGHT project to develop the design to its ultimate conclusion, that of giving world class performance on a standard budget.
PAUL BLACKAH
We are delighted to include Paul Blackah into the Reflight team. Through his work with ME-109 Black Six and all the aircraft at the RAF BBMF we have a member of the team with an industry leading knowledge of warbird operation. His experience and abilities are a real attribute, and encompass all areas of complex aircraft restoration and maintenance. He is also instrumental in the creation of many pieces of aviation literature relating to iconic aircraft.