About Us
David RipleyManaging Director
David holds an MBA from Durham University and has 17 years' experience running successful businesses in a wide range of industries. David caught the flying bug from an early age, with time spent with his Uncle, an RAF officer on the Nimrod, but it took him until 2007 to gain his PPL and subsequently his IMC Rating and Night Qualification, all out of Durham Tees Valley Airport. 'Although I live in Newcastle I chose to train at Durham Tees Valley Airport. It is a great experience to mix with the commercial airlines and learn in a fully controlled environment. With less commercial traffic at Durham Tees compared to airports such as Newcastle or Leeds, it is rare to find yourself delayed, waiting to take off while the bill's mounting!'
Even before learning to fly, David had been looking for the right opportunity to allow him to combine his interests in business with those in aviation and the perfect opportunity presented itself with the opening of Durham Tees Flight Training.
Although I have a strong business background, it is in a very different field. I knew that for us to create the right operation I would need to appoint the right team of people around me from the start. Dale and Ed have about as much experience in flight training as it is possible to have, which is not only good for the strength of our business but also for the students who can be guaranteed a structured training programme in a safe, professional environment.
Dale ReynoldsChief Flying Instructor
Dale attributes his love of aviation to being raised in the 'Bomber County' of Lincolnshire. He has been flying for almost 25 years and has held a Commercial licence for over twelve years. He has been an instructor for eleven years, the last four of which have been as Chief Flying Instructor.
He lectured students on the Leeds University Aviation Degree programme for three years and has provided navigation and meteorology tutorials for doctors and paramedics seconded to air ambulance units around the country. He instructs for both Private and Commercial licences as well as aerobatics, and is a CAA approved flight and ground examiner.
In total he has amassed over 7400 flying hours. He says: ‘Of course, it is very satisfying to see students you have trained progress to become airline pilots, or join the RAF. But I think the biggest kick comes from helping someone who’s finding the training a bit hard – you watch them do their first solo, pass their Skills Test, then go on to become dedicated and competent private pilots. That’s what being an instructor is all about.'
Ed HampartsoumianOperations Manager
Ed holds a PhD in Engineering, was a Fellow of the Institute of Energy, and specialised in combustion research at the University of Leeds. He went on to lecture in Aviation and developed course materials for the University of Leeds on their aviation degree programmes, including ATPL and PPL ground school modules.
He became the Head of the Aviation programme at the University and helped to develop the methodology for delivering integrated pilot training for Leeds students at various flying schools in the north of England before leaving to work in General Aviation. Ed is also a keen pilot, holding a PPL and IMC rating.
