Many people in the aviation design and production industry will have previously met or spoken with Terry Gibson at the UK CAA when he was Approvals Manager in the Approvals & Quality Assurance Section (AQAS).

During Terry's time with the UK CAA it became apparent that the introduction of EASA produced a great need for training and guidance on the new regulations, following the impact this has had on the aviation industry in design and production approval matters.

Terry started his career in the British aviation industry at the age of sixteen, becoming an RAF Halton engineering apprentice. He later worked for Bristow Helicopters as Flying Training School Chief Engineer and then for British Caledonian and British Airways before joining the CAA. He joined the CAA in 1988 and since then his experience has been varied.

Initially Terry’s role with the CAA was that of Maintenance Standards Surveyor with short postings to the Manchester, Luton and Stanstead Regional Offices. He was soon transferred to the Design and Production Standards Division.

The Approvals and Quality Assurance Section (and Terry in particular) was heavily involved in the transition from BCARs to JAR 21 and subsequently Part 21 (both POA and DOA).

He was one of the first team leaders for JAR 21 DOA, working with Rolls Royce and British Aerospace and has been the team leader for many DOA/POA investigations – mainly the large aerospace companies. He has also dealt with investigations into alleged non-compliance.

Terry spent a year as DOA coordinator at the JAA HQ in Hoofddorp which included a training role, ensuring standardisation and giving guidance to other national authorities. This secondment came to an end when the CAA withdrew its support but Terry continued to support the JAA as a member of the DOA Standardisation Team.

As Approvals Manager, with responsibility for all the Design and Production Team Leaders, he has gained a wealth of experience and an in-depth knowledge of all Design & Production matters.

Terry’s DOA/POA knowledge and experience were acknowledged when he was invited to join the Deloitte Touche team to write the new procedures for EASA.

He continues to carry out many training courses on behalf of the CAA/International Services on the subject of Design & Production and EASA and has greatly increased the number of tailored training courses for individual organisations.

Terry has supported a large number of organisations in gaining EASA approval.