Simon Davies

Simon Davies is a highly experienced aviation professional with a focus on flight testing and engineering. Currently serving as Chief Test Pilot at Vertical Aerospace since January 2020, Simon is involved in the VA-1X eVTOL demonstrator programme and leads pilot training and compliance verification efforts. Simultaneously, Simon holds research fellow positions at Cranfield University and D5 Aviation Ltd, where expertise in electric flight, aviation safety, and novel technologies is applied. Previous roles include Head of Flight Test at Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd, where Simon oversaw the Airlander 10 programme, and extensive experience as a test pilot in the Royal Air Force, including leading Tornado development and instructor roles. Simon's educational background includes an MA MEng in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Cambridge and graduation from the United States Naval Test Pilot School.