6 September 2022
+VIDEO Mike Pearson, manager of Popham Airfield and a ‘seasoned GA professional’ has been appointed as the new General Aviation Advocate by the Department for Transport.
The appointment was announced just as the LAA Grass Roots Fly-in started at Popham last weekend, and FLYER‘s Ed Hicks spoke to Mike Pearson – see video below.
The General Aviation Advocate role was created in 2017 and serves to represent and raise the profile of GA. Mike follows the previous GA Advocate, Phil Dunnington, who passed away in 2021, and the former GA Champion role created in 2015.
Mike Pearson is a member of the Royal Aero Club, airfield manager for Popham and served as a Chair of the Airfield Operators Group (AOG). He also served as a Chairman of the Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee and as the Director of Enterprise for Southwark College.
Aviation Minister, Robert Courts, said, “It’s vital we make sure the industry is well-represented to solve some of the most pressing issues they are currently facing and enhance further the UK’s position as a world leader in aviation.
“Mike is a longstanding role model in aviation and an ideal advocate for the General Aviation sector. His career shows not only his excellent suitability for the role, but also how exciting the sector is, and I take great pleasure in welcoming him.”
The DfT says the appointment is key to the delivery of the GA Roadmap (published April 2021) which aims to make the UK the best place in the world for GA.
