Nick Tickner

Senior Flying Supervisor @ BAE Systems | Qualified Flying Instructor

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About

With 18+ years in military aviation, I bring deep expertise in flight operations, advanced training, and leadership across complex and high-stakes environments. At BAE Systems, I help deliver world class flying training to the Royal Saudi Air Force and oversee the entire suite of synthetic training platforms, driving innovation in how military aviators are prepared for operational readiness. I also shape and manage the operational framework for the RSAF’s new RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) training squadron, helping to integrate cutting-edge technologies into modern air power. My career spans humanitarian missions, Antarctic operations, and combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq — experiences that built my skills in operational planning, supervisory leadership, mentoring, and performance optimisation within elite teams. I’m passionate about delivering world-class training solutions and developing the next generation of aviators to meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare.

Experience

  • BAE Systems (Full-time · 6 yrs 2 mos)
    • Senior Flying Supervisor - 22 SQN
      Jun 2026 - Present · 1 mo

      Lead the delivery of advanced flying training operations for the Royal Saudi Air Force within 22 Squadron. Responsible for the overall management, supervision, and performance of a team of more than 20 highly experienced expatriate military flying instructors, ensuring the highest standards of flight training, operational capability, safety, and instructional effectiveness. Oversee squadron flying operations, instructor standardisation, training governance, and operational coordination to support the development of RSAF aircrew in accordance with military aviation and safety standards. Provide leadership across daily flying activities, workforce management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement while driving a high-performan

    • Senior Flying Supervisor - Synthetic Training
      Mar 2024 - May 2026 · 2 yrs 3 mos

      Responsible for overseeing the management and performance of instructor pilots across both live flying and simulator environments. Accountable for delivering performance-based training outcomes on time and to the agreed customer standard, ensuring the highest levels of safety, quality, and operational effectiveness.

    • Acting Senior Flying Supervisor - 210 SQN
      Oct 2023 - Mar 2024 · 6 mos

      Leading the stand up of the new RPAS training squadron within the Royal Saudi Airforce. Implementing and guiding all operational and managerial aspects whilst facilitating on time delievery.

  • Royal Australian Air Force (12 yrs 1 mo)
    • C-17 Training Operations
      Jun 2019 - Oct 2020 · 1 yr 5 mos

      Conducting C-17 flight training and evaluation as a Qualified Flying Instructor.

    • Qualified Flying Instructor
      Nov 2016 - Jun 2019 · 2 yrs 8 mos

      Advanced Flying training to Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy pilot trainees. Also a qualified performance coach dedicated to performance enhancement within the aviation space.

    • Flying Instructors Course
      Jul 2016 - Nov 2016 · 5 mos

      Flying Instructors Course at the Central Flying School in which I qualified as a Military Flying Instructor in both Basic and Advanced phases.

  • PDHPE Teacher at Newington College
    May 2007 - Jul 2008 · 1 yr 3 mos