Charles Henry FRAeS, FCMI, MCIM, Board Member of The British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA), is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Michael Wheatley Award for Outstanding Services to Aviation.  A highly experienced aviation professional, Charles has shaped and helped influence policy in support of the general aviation sector for over six decades and shows no sign of slowing down.

Charles has owned and managed several general aviation business operations and flight training centres. He is a renowned, passionate advocate for the sector, lending his expertise to BBGA on all matters pilot training and latterly small airfields, quickly earning the ear of regulators and decision makers.

Charles  served as Chair of the General Aviation Awareness Council (GAAC) for over 25 years, spearheading national efforts to protect and support the UK’s network of general aviation airfields.  Subsequently, he became Chair of the Tax & Regulation Working Group of the General Aviation All Party Parliamentary Working Group for Aviation (APPG) in 2018, working closely with former Transport Minister Grant Shapps.

Brian Humphries, former BBGA Board member and one-time EBAA President commented: “Charles is a true gentleman, with the voice of reason.  Whenever progress on an industry issue looked like it was stalling, he would pipe up – I know a senior figure who could (help us). Invariably and impressively, he was able to break the log jam.”

Charles is revered for his leadership across multiple flight training and general aviation organisations.   He served 25 years as Director of AOPA UK, together with a treasured role as a Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots.  

In the mid-2000’s, he served as Chairman at Cabair, then one of the UK’s largest commercial pilot training groups.  In 2010 he moved to non executive director following an ownership  change.  In 2008 he was appointed Director of the British Light Aviation Centre Limited.  Charles is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Marc Bailey, BBGA CEO, commented:

“Charles has tirelessly supported commercial GA through his work with AOPA, GAAC and BBGA, as long-standing Board member and former Treasurer. He is exceptionally well connected and has been able to provide links both politically in government, along with strong connections at the CAA.  Charles has been a strong advocate of developing the one voice approach for industry and has encouraged associations to work together. Charles continues his work through the Tax and Regulation APPG and will be the first to admit ‘we are living in interesting times,’ as we push to get aviation recognised for its valuable contribution to the UK economy.”

Sqn Ldr O W (Wally) Epton RAF (Ret’d), Director/Chief Pilot, Eptonair Aviation Services, commented:

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Charles for some 35 years and witnessed his excellent contributions to general and business aviation in the UK and in Europe.  Working for the APPG and BBGA he has been devoted to getting VAT removed from flight training fees, a mission he will never stop advocating for, having helped many young aviators as a committed flight instructor.  Charles is consistently tenacious and I admire his ability to get things done.

He took the Livery the same year I was elected to Warden at the then Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators in the City of London.  He remains active in the now Honourable Company.

Thank you Charles for all you’ve done supporting UK GA over many years and for supporting me during my year as Master in 2011.  This recognition is richly deserved.”

About Michael Wheatley

Michael Wheatley held a leading role in the support advisory services to the UK Police and ambulance authorities and leading financial institutions.  He died in 2006 and BBGA created the award in his name.  Recent previous recipients include Marwan Khalek, Patrick Margetson-Rushmore, Tom Perry, Tim Scorer, Penny Stephens, Phil Lammiman, Brian Humphries, Wally Epton, Andrew Walters and Marc Bailey.

About BBGA