Stephen David Bridgewater - Marketing

Steve was born in Tamworth, Staffordshire on May 18, 1975 and was interested in aviation since childhood. He began flying radio controlled models when he was 11 years old and was instructing others by the time he was 14.

A minor heart condition prevented him gaining his PPL but the introduction of the National Private Pilot Licence in later years meant he was able to fulfil his dream. Steve obtained his NPPL at Oxford in 2005 and has now flown around 150 hours in various types. He now flies mostly from Enstone and a tailwheel conversion is next on his ‘to-do’list.

Steve has competed in the Pooleys Dawn to Dusk international flying competition twice, winning the Tiger Club Trophy on both occasions. He also won the coveted Pooley Sword in 2007.

Although trained in marketing Steve initially found his niche in journalism and worked as Deputy Editor of Today’s Pilot for seven years. He has also been Deputy Editor at Pilot magazine and Launch Editor of both Air Action and Go Flying! magazines. He was a finalist in the International Aerospace Journalist of the Year awards on three separate occasions.

After a year working as Marketing Manager at Pooleys Flight Equipment, Steve established Awyr Aviation Communication - his own aviation marketing, journalism and PR firm. He is also a regular contributor to Loop aviation newspaper and Light Aviation – the official magazine of the LAA (formerly the PFA).

As a founder member of GYM Steve says he is looking forward to seeing the association grow and encouraging ever more young people into the amazing world of aviation.
We asked Steve about his most memorable flight to-date... “On our second Dawn to Dusk flight my co-pilot and I were at about 3,000ft as the sun rose off our starboard wing,” he says. “It was by far one of the most unforgettable moments of an unbelievable day.”