Passion for flight
An aerospace engineer, RAF test pilot and flying instructor with 28 years’ experience, Gareth Brooker has accrued over 5000hrs on more than 35 types. His operational career in Iraq, Afghanistan, and across the world, has spanned ISTAR, tactical, strategic and VIP transport in aircraft such as C-130J Hercules, King Air and Airbus A400M (on which he is a current TRI).
His passion for all aspects of flying instruction led him to rapidly achieve the extremely rare and coveted Central Flying School (CFS) A1 Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) category; one of only a handful to have ever achieved this and currently one of only two A1 QFIs anywhere in the UK Armed Forces. He first held this qualification on the Grob Tutor in 2009 and recently confirmed the same qualification on the Airbus A400M.
He has instructed across the spectrum through elementary flying (including formation and aerobatics) and multi-engine advanced flying, all the way up to operational conversion unit, frontline squadron instruction and test pilot conversion.
Gareth is also an experienced test pilot, having graduated from the Empire Test Pilot School (ETPS) as a Class B Test Pilot (equivalent to EASA CAT 2) in 2012, and is adept at leading and guiding multiple stakeholders through the complex military and civil regulatory environments.
From first flight engine testing to OEI take-off performance, from max take-off weight and crosswind expansion to electric racing aircraft development, from whole aircraft EMC testing to FMS developmental testing, Gareth has been instrumental on many test projects with partners including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Systems Ltd, QinetiQ and Condor Aviation International.
Currently, as Officer Commanding the Air and Space Warfare Centre's Standards and Evaluation (StanEval) unit, he is responsible for examining all test pilots across Defence to ensure the highest standards are upheld in pure flying and Test and Evaluation throughout the MOD's eight test squadrons.
Gareth is the senior consultant at Brooker Aviation Ltd and we have access to a number of specialists in order to pull together the right team to meet the specific needs of your aerospace project.