At Skyborne, we’re proud to have a team rich in experience, with each member bringing their own unique story to our training community. Today, we’re shining a light on someone whose career spans over four decades and includes some incredible chapters in aviation. Meet Graham Hannam, one of our Theoretical Knowledge Instructors.
Graham’s journey began 44 years ago when he graduated from Liverpool University. Since then, he’s had just three major roles, each one building on the last and adding to the wealth of knowledge he now shares with our trainees.
Straight from university in 1980, Graham joined the Royal Air Force. While pilot training wasn’t an option at the time, he seized the opportunity to become a navigator – a decision that would lead to an extraordinary 33 year career in the RAF.
After completing his Officer and Professional training, Graham began flying with the iconic Handley Page Victor in an air-to-air refuelling (AAR) role. He later moved on to the VC10, where he spent over two decades as part of the RAF’s AAR operations. His career also included time as an instructor, training future navigators for both basic and front-line roles – a glimpse of the teaching passion he continues to bring to Skyborne.
In 2013, as the VC10 was phased out and replaced by the Voyager (a military-modified Airbus A330), Graham decided it was time for a new challenge. Thales was recruiting, so he swapped uniforms and simply moved across the airfield at RAF Brize Norton, continuing his aviation journey there for another seven years.
It was during this time he reconnected with a former colleague, Bernie Brennan, a familiar name for many at Skyborne. The two had worked together years earlier as instructors at RAF Finningley. Bernie later became Skyborne’s very first Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor. And in 2020, Graham followed suit and joined the Skyborne family.
Now working part-time, Graham continues to make a meaningful impact. His depth of experience and first hand knowledge of aviation operations bring theory lessons to life, helping students understand the ‘why’ behind the textbooks.
Graham’s story is a perfect example of how a colourful career can shape exceptional instructors. We’re lucky to have him guiding our future pilots with stories that not only teach but inspire.
