Air League Awards Pilot Training Innovator

Alex Whittingham, founder of Bristol Groundschool (BGS), received the Air League’s Founder’s Medal during a ceremony at the House of Commons, Westminster. The medal is presented to individuals whose lifetime contributions have significantly influenced aerospace.

Whittingham, who retired from BGS earlier this year, was recognized for his role in transforming professional pilot training over the past three decades. Since establishing BGS in 1992, he helped make modular pilot training and distance learning more widely accessible. More than 22,000 students have trained through BGS, with many now working for major airlines.

BGS was among the first to incorporate computer-based instruction in ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) training. Whittingham developed the BGSonline Question Bank and a comprehensive video library to support students preparing for licensing exams.

His efforts extended beyond educational tools. When multiple UK flight schools closed, he provided free ATPL theory training to affected students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped transition BGS to fully online delivery, maintaining continuity for learners worldwide.

Whittingham also contributed to regulatory development. At EASA’s request, he created an Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC) to support KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes) training in smaller organisations, a model now adopted across Europe.

“Alex is one of the founding fathers of distance learning in aviation,” said Niko Gerrits of Orbit Groundschool. “He transformed theoretical knowledge training by making it seamless, engaging, and highly effective.”

Whittingham called the award an incredible honour, and credited colleagues and students for helping advance accessible pilot training.