Meet the Team
Meet The Team
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Rob Mott Chief Technical Officer
Kelly Thacker Business Manager
Aaron Bliss LIAC Specialist
Roger Pattrick Senior Design Approval Engineer
Karen Judd Membership Specialist
Geoff Weighell Quality Manager
Carole Buckner Technical Office Coordinator
Lloyd Smith Design Approval Engineer
Vivek Chanda Design Approval Engineer
Tom Dean Design Approval Engineer- Steve Eyers Chief Inspector
- Owain Johns Chief Executive Officer
Rob Mott
The CTO is responsible for the running of the BMAA Technical Office to ensure that members' projects are handled accurately and speedily. The Technical Office also accepts engineering approval applications from manufacturers which the BMAA is authorised to scrutinise and approve on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority.
The CI is responsible for all matters relating to the ongoing airworthiness of the BMAA fleet of microlights. The CI appoints BMAA Inspectors to help members with airworthiness tasks such as annual inspections and modification or repair tasks.
Rob started at the BMAA in Nov 2007 after completing his studies at Manchester and a brief time learning to maintain helicopters. Prior to this he started his flying career with competitive aeromodelling. This provided his first taste for fullsize aircraft in 2002, whilst at the European Championships. Two years later he started training for his PPL. After gaining his licence he quickly found Microlights and the rest is history! Although his enthusiasm for aerobatics persisted, achieving a CAA Display Authorisation in 2012.
Kelly Thacker
The Business Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth and safe running of all administration tasks that running the business of the BMAA entails.
In addition The Business Manager also looks after the events, promotions, social media, supplier and contractor relationships and magazine advert sales.
Hi, my name is Kelly and I am the Business Manager. I have been working for the BMAA since 1st December 2015
Since leaving college I have worked within the Leisure and Tourism Industry and before settling down and having a family I was fortunate enough to work in different overseas locations. Before joining the BMAA I was employed at a hotel as the Deputy General Manager.
Aaron Bliss
The NPPL Administrator is responsible for accepting and checking applications for the NPPL Microlight licence, then issuing the licence document when everything is complete. On the Administrator's recommendation the Civil Aviation Authority will issue an additional Microlight rating to existing licences, or remove operational limitations from an existing NPPL. The Administrator also acts as Secretary to the Microlight Panel of Examiners and provides a focal point for information regarding any aspect of microlight pilot, instructor or examiner legislation.
I see my position as facilitating smooth processing of queries and legal documents to ensure students, instructor and examiners spend the maximum time enjoying the wild blue yonder rather than correcting avoidable errors or dealing with the CAA.
My role sees me in regular contact with the CAA, the Panel of Examiners, The Training Committee and the BMAA Safety Officer, working towards the shared goal of improving safety and minimising barriers to flying for all. Since July 2019, I also have the privilege of issuing National Private Pilot's Licences with Microlight ratings, bringing waiting times for excited applicants down from up to 3 weeks to potentially a couple of days, meaning the sky is closer than ever before!
Roger Pattrick
After many years as the BMAA CTO, Roger now has a part-time role as a Senior Design Approval Engineer. A key member of the Technical team, he specialises in the more complicated member and manufacturer projects.
"I am an aviation nut, and love all things aviation. I have been lucky enough to make a career out of microlight aviation, and have been working within the industry since 1985. First at Hornet Microlights, then in 1990 Mainair Sports and P&M Aviation before moving to the BMAA in 2015."
Karen Judd
The Membership Secretary is responsible for all matters relating to membership of the BMAA and provides a point of contact for any enquiries related to BMAA membership or membership activity.
Hello! I ‘m Karen, I am the Membership Secretary and I have been working for the BMAA since February 2016. My background is in Banking and administration, I worked for HSBC before having a family. Since then I have undertaken Nursery School administration and prior to joining the BMAA I ran the local Post Office, in Deddington.
Geoff Weighell
Quality Manager (QM). The QM is responsible for ensuring the BMAA is in compliance with and adhering to its technical procedures. This is in accordance with the airworthiness requirements of the Sporting Approval A8-26 as published by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Geoff served the BMAA as Chief Executive for 15 years retiring in October 2021. He has also held the position of BMAA Chairman.
Carole Buckner
Hi, my name is Carole and I am the BMAA Technical Office coordinator. I joined the BMAA in September 2022
I have always had an interest in aviation, and I was a glider pilot and instructor for many years, which helps me with the many technical questions our office receives daily. My role involves coordinating with the CTO, CI and our Design Approval Engineers (DAE). I also process new Permit to Fly applications, weight reports, Standard Minor Modifications and handle various approved changes that come into the office.
Lloyd Smith
Lloyd Smith is an aviation enthusiast - from gaining a gliding scholarship with the Air Training Corps at RAF St. Athan to volunteering at the South Wales Aviation Museum.
Lloyd is an Aeronautical Engineering graduate from the University of South Wales. He joined the team in November 2024.
Vivek Chanda
Hi, my name is Vivek. I'm a BEng Hons Aerospace Engineering graduate from the University of Sheffield.
I decided to do my degree in Aerospace as I've always been very passionate about all things aviation since a child. I've grown up obsessing over civil aviation in particular and am part of the biggest UK flight simulation community.
Tom Dean
After gaining my master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Loughborough University, I have spent over a decade working in aviation. I’ve designed machine tool systems for the gas turbine industry, assessed non-conforming components for Rolls Royce, and most recently designed hydrogen fuel cells for passenger aircraft. I joined the BMAA Tech Office in February 2026, using my skills to assist members and manufacturers with modifications, repairs and approvals for their aircraft.
I hold a PPL(A), which I gained on a HCAP scholarship whilst at university and have added several ratings since, including flexwing training. When not undertaking powered flight, I also enjoy paragliding in the Peak District and further afield too.
Steve Eyers
TBC
Owain Johns
TBC
