Air Rescue Training & Simulation
The ARTS Team
Below is a brief synopsis of the key staff at Air Rescue Training & Simulation, with a link to their LinkedIn profiles.
Ian Bonthrone
Managing Director
Ian has an MSc in Human Factors in Aviation and has been involved in Learning & Development in the Aviation and Medical spheres for the past 30+ years.
During 22 years in the RAF, flying & instructing on SAR, and in management roles, he moved into industry focusing on new product and market development prior to assuming General Manager roles in the European Public Safety market. In 2014 he led the bid to provide SAR for the MoD in the Falkland Islands which, having won, resulted in establishing Air Rescue UK Ltd
His experience alongside his business acumen lends strength to Air Rescue UK Ltd’s future growth.
Trevor Abraham
Operations Director
With over 20 years of experience in global search and rescue (SAR), including 10 years in leadership roles. He has touched points across the entire business, spanning operations, training, commercial growth, and team well-being.
Trevor strives for the highest levels of performance, safety, and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of resilience and excellence. His leadership style prioritises strategic goals whilst supporting professional development and innovation.
Working closely with all departments, Trevor aligns the company’s mission and values with its long-term vision, delivering high-quality service and sustainable growth.
David Bazlinton
Head of Training
David spent over 22 years of his career as a police officer working for the UK National Police Air Service (NPAS). He also served in the UK Armed Forces as a Reservist in the Royal Artillery.
Before leaving NPAS, David was a senior training instructor responsible for assessment and IQA activity across this fast-paced national Law Enforcement Agency.
David joined Air Rescue Training & Simulation to spearhead leadership and training quality assurance at ARTS and Air Rescue UK, our parent company.
David Kerr-Sheppard
Ground and Synthetic Flight Training Instructor
David has 31 years of experience in the Royal Air Force, predominantly in the Search and Rescue (SAR) role. His SAR experience covers base pilot duties in the North East, senior Sea King SAR instructor duties in the South West and as the Officer Commanding No 22 Squadron, the RAF’s southern SAR squadron with bases at Chivenor, Valley and Wattisham. He also completed numerous tours of duty in the Falkland Islands.
After leaving the RAF, David spent over 16 years as chief pilot for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulances at North Weald and Earls Colne.
David joined ARTS to help develop high-quality training systems, drawing on his wealth of experience in aviation operations, learning and development.
Graham McConaghy IEng MIMechE
Simulator Engineer and Operator
Graham spent 24 years in Army Aviation as an Aircraft Engineer on multiple platforms, covering multiple deployments. He finished his career as an Artificer Sergeant Major.
His career was predominantly operational rotary engineering, where he was keenly sought after due to his extensive knowledge and experience. He was also a highly successful instructor and, during his later career, held key appointments managing, developing and assuring current and future REME Aviation training.
Graham joined ARTS to apply his experience in systems engineering, instruction, and training management within an organisation focused on supporting operational delivery.