United Kingdom – The Air League has honoured one of British aviation’s most influential figures, Alex Whittingham the owner of Bristol Groundschool, with its highest accolade – the Founder’s Medal – in a ceremony held last week at The House of Commons, Westminster.
This prestigious award, regarded as one of British aviation’s most distinguished honour, recognises individuals whose lifetime achievements have left a transformative and lasting legacy in aerospace. Alex Whittingham, who retired from Bristol Groundschool (BGS) earlier this year, was selected for his pioneering contributions to professional pilot training worldwide.
Over the past three decades, Alex has revolutionised the way aspiring pilots prepare for their careers, dramatically improving the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of theoretical training. Since founding BGS in 1992, he has been a driving force behind the development of modular pilot training and distance learning, empowering over 22,000 pilots – many of whom now fly for major airlines including British Airways, Emirates, Virgin, EasyJet, and Ryanair.
Under Alex’s leadership, BGS was the first ground school to integrate computer-based learning into its ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) training. His development of the widely-used BGSonline Question Bank and an extensive ATPL video library has set the gold standard for aviation education, helping thousands of students worldwide prepare for critical licensing exams.
Alex’s influence also extended beyond the classroom. When several UK flight schools closed unexpectedly, he offered free ATPL theory courses to affected students, ensuring their training could continue uninterrupted. He also played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing BGS’s seamless transition to fully online instruction – a move that preserved continuity for thousands of students during global travel restrictions.
In addition to his educational achievements, Alex has helped shape regulatory policy across Europe. At the request of EASA, he authored an Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC) to make KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes) training viable for smaller training organisations – a solution that has since been widely adopted across the continent.
His work has earned the admiration of industry leaders and peers alike.
“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.”
Colin Dobney, Head of Training at Stapleford Flight Centre, added: “Today’s students display a far deeper understanding thanks to Alex’s vision and relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Alex said after receiving the Award: “It’s an incredible honour to receive the Founder’s Medal from the Air League. I’ve been fortunate to spend my career doing something I love – helping aspiring pilots achieve their dreams. This award is a tribute not only to my journey, but to the many talented and dedicated people I’ve worked with over the years. The future of aviation depends on accessible, high-quality training, and I’m proud to have played a part in that evolution.”
As a mentor, educator, advocate, and innovator, Alex Whittingham’s lifelong commitment has reshaped the global landscape of pilot training. The Founder’s Medal serves not only as recognition of a remarkable career, but as a tribute to a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of aviators.
Source: Bristol Groundschool
Photo Credit: Bristol Groundschool
