RocketRoute was recently invited to visit the premises of one of our newest members, a new aviation business taking shape in Wales.
Cardiff Aviation, led by joint-CEOs Bruce Dickinson and Mario Fulgoni, is a fully-approved and certificated maintenance, engineering, training and leasing group. Quite a lot for one business but this is a company with big ambitions.
Mario Fulgoni is a seasoned aviation professional and Bruce Dickinson, vocalist with rock band Iron Maiden, is a certified commercial pilot and aviation entrepreneur. Cardiff Aviation is bringing a new vigour and passion to the MRO sector. An ethos that we recognise and embrace at RocketRoute.
Where does this passion come from? To set the scene, watch this video of Bruce Dickinson on tour.
The same energy and passion is being poured into Cardiff Aviation and their joint ventures. It is a passion we recognise at RocketRoute. It left us inspired and motivated to continue disrupting the aviation world for the better.
A short flight to Cardiff via Devon
Bruce has recently become chairman of Aeris Aviation, another long time member of RocketRoute. CEO David Hayman greeted us at Blackbushe Airport (EGLK) to fly us into Cardiff International (EGFF). The flight went via a quick stop to Dunkeswell (EGTU) to pick up extra fuel. We flew VFR to Dunkeswell, taking less that 20 minutes to cover the 94 miles. Another 8 minute hop took us to Cardiff. David Hayman had already flown the Eclipse 500 to Avignon and back that day. It is remarkable how readily one can fly around Europe in this class of aircraft.
RocketRoute flew in the Aeris Aviation company jet - an Eclipse 500
BlackBushe Airport to Dunkeswell. The VFR flight took less than 20 minutes.
View from the passenger seat: Flying VFR at Mach 0.4. Just above cloud level.
The Eclipse jet was a pleasure to fly in. Take off was smooth and rapid. We were soon punching through the cloud cover and skirting along at 5,000 feet (flying VFR) and enjoying the sunset.
A quick hop from Dunkeswell (EGTU) to Cardiff International (EGFF)
The approach to Dunkeswell was rapid and and we flew straight in. A quick taxi, a stretch of the legs while refuelling and we were off again. The final hop into Cardiff was also made VFR across the Bristol Channel. This is the way to fly!
Only last month we had the pleasure of flying a Cessna C180 over the Grand Canyon, while attending NBAA. The Eclipse was a totally different beast. The smooth and rapid acceleration. A cockpit brimming with the latest avionics. The three large LCD displays. Comfortable leather seats. The Eclipse is more like a sports car of the aviation world rather than a corporate status symbol.
Night flying in the Eclipse 500. State of the art avionics.
Cardiff Aviation
We met Bruce Dickinson, Mario Fulgoni and more of the team at Cardiff International (EGFF) and headed into town to talk the night away. The next morning we flew to St Athan to see their setup. Bruce flew with wheels down for the hop between the airports. A flight of 1 min 50 seconds from the start of the take off roll to wheels down. We reckon it was nearer 1 min 30 secs actual airborne time. Is this a record for the shortest flight?
Preparing for an epic flight of 1 minute and 30 seconds.
L-R: Justin Coelho (RocketRoute), Bruce Dickinson (Cardiff Aviation), David Hayman (Aeris Aviation), Kurt Lyall (RocketRoute)
Chief Pilot for the day: Bruce Dickinson at the helm of the Eclipse 500
Possibly the shortest jet flight ever recorded by RocketRoute.
1min 30sec from Cardiff (EGFF) to St Athan (EGDX)
Arriving at Twin Peaks
St Athan (EGDX), until 2012, was a military airbase for VC10 refuelling tankers. The last flight was recorded for YouTube posterity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwXL3XPFx5A
The last VC10 aircraft to take-off from the St Athan runway.
The vacuum left in Cardiff by the departure of these aircraft and all the associated support personnel and businesses was significant. It left behind a highly skilled and professional workforce and an impressive base infrastructure.
The site can park 20 narrow-body airlines and the hangars are big enough to house a Boeing 767-300, just smaller than a jumbo jet. There is also a 6,000ft runway.
The airport is still under military management and needs an IFR approach to be implemented (even though ILS is in place) and improved opening hours. However, there is real potential for Cardiff Aviation.
One of the two “Twin Peaks” hangers ready and waiting.
We were given a tour of the main facilities and were fortunate to have CEO Bruce Dickinson act as our enthusiastic guide. The mission for Cardiff Aviation is impressive:
View inside one of Cardiff Aviation’s Aircraft Maintenance Hangers - Airbus A320
Joint-CEO of Cardiff Aviation, Bruce Dickinson. Tour guide for the day.
The second airline maintenance hanger: Bruce explains his vision for Cardiff Aviation
(background: Boeing 767 being refurbished)
Justin from RocketRoute avoids 3 large holes being prepared to house pilot training simulators
Bruce Dickinson clearly loves being an aviation entrepreneur and enjoys building a business that brings investment and jobs to the area. In addition to the MRO side of the business, there are plans to open a pilot training facility and advanced talks about setting up an airline leasing-cum-charter operation, amongst many other ideas.
"Our ambition at Cardiff Aviation is to create a sort of one-stop shop." he says.
It was a delight to visit the premises of one our newest RocketRoute members, to meet the team and exchange ideas. We expect to see great things from Cardiff Aviation in the years to come.
To all our RocketRoute Members
At RocketRoute we like to share the good news about members of our global community. If you have a story to tell and would like to share it, let us know at support support@rocketroute.com.
Read more:
RocketRoute: https://www.rocketroute.com/press
Cardiff Aviation: http://cardiffaviation.com/
Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson on his airline ambitions: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22937832