Our Instructors

Captain Colin Dobney is the Head of Training at Stapleford Flight Centre and a proud alumnus of the school. His journey in aviation began as a student at Stapleford, where he quickly progressed to become an instructor before venturing into the air-charter sector. Driven by his ambition to fly for an airline, Colin first joined Sabre Airways as a pilot on the B737-200, later serving as a First Officer and then Captain with Ryanair. He further honed his skills as Captain on the B737 NG with Astraeus.

In 2000, Colin returned to Stapleford to take on the role of Head of Training, bringing with him a wealth of experience. With approximately 13,000 flight hours—over 5,500 of which are on Boeing 737 aircraft—Colin primarily conducts examinations for commercial students and IR renewals. He also manages and teaches Stapleford’s MCC courses, ensuring that the next generation of pilots receives the highest quality training and guidance.

Helen Ayres serves as the primary point of contact at Stapleford Flight Centre, coordinating our commercial courses with expertise and enthusiasm. With her in-depth knowledge of the training programmes, Helen is well-equipped to provide you with all the information you need and to address any questions about your commercial training requirements.

Known for her friendly and approachable nature, she is dedicated to ensuring that every student maximises their experience and receives the highest quality training during their time at Stapleford. Helen is committed to supporting you on your journey to becoming a skilled pilot.

Contact Helen via: commercial@flysfc.com or call 01708 687103.

Stuart Dann is the Deputy Head of Training at Stapleford Flight Centre, playing a crucial role in maintaining the highest standards of aviation education. With a wealth of experience in flight training, Stuart is dedicated to ensuring that all training programmes run smoothly and effectively.

In his role, Stuart collaborates closely with instructors and students alike, fostering an environment that encourages learning and personal growth. His approachable nature makes him a valuable resource for students seeking guidance throughout their training journey.

Stuart is passionate about aviation and is committed to nurturing the next generation of pilots, ensuring they receive the support and expertise needed to excel in their careers.

Mark Cozzolino is the Chief Flying Instructor at Stapleford Flight Centre, where he combines his extensive flying experience with a genuine enthusiasm for teaching. With a strong focus on safety and quality training, Mark ensures that students receive comprehensive instruction that prepares them for the demands of aviation.

Mark is dedicated to creating an engaging and supportive atmosphere in the cockpit, encouraging students to ask questions and develop their skills. His commitment to excellence in flight training, coupled with his friendly and motivating personality, makes him a key figure in shaping the next generation of skilled pilots.

Shaun Eason is the Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor for ATPL theory studies at Stapleford Flight Centre. He has been instructing since 2004 and joined Stapleford full-time in 2022. In addition to leading the ATPL theory course, Shaun also instructs on the PPL and CPL courses, as well as providing occasional aerobatics instruction and night ratings.

Involved in aviation since 2000, Shaun has owned several different aircraft, ranging from vintage tailwheel models like the Piper Vagabond to more modern types such as the Maules and C172. He holds both EASA and UK CPL licences for instruction, showcasing his commitment to high standards in pilot training.

At Stapleford Flight Centre, we pride ourselves on our diverse team of PPL instructors. Our instructors include graduates from our Flight Instructor Course, many of whom choose to gain valuable experience by providing PPL instruction before advancing to airline careers. We also have dedicated career instructors who are passionate about teaching and committed to guiding the next generation of pilots. This mix of backgrounds and experiences enriches the learning environment, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction tailored to their needs.