This month we say hello to our managing director Steven Bentley. Steve has over 40 years experience in commercial aviation, including more than 12 years in the airworthiness department of Virgin Atlantic a major UK international airline.
We asked Steve to tell us a bit more about himself.
Q: Does the aviation gene run in your family?
A: Actually not! Both my Father and Mother worked in the Hotel and Catering Industry. I was born in Blackpool, a UK seaside town. In 1950’s this was an era of the UK holidays and a long time before flying on holiday became the norm, as a child I remember watching people by the 1000’s arriving every week by coach and train. Unfortunately the town has been in terminal decline since the long forgotten heyday.
Q: Is there a childhood dream involved in your choice of career?
A: Well I always wanted to be an electrician! As a small child I managed to insert a 6 inch nail into an electrical outlet which propelled me across the room, after this the die was set. However I never expected my career would be in aviation, my first choice was to work in telephones. Luckily, I was offered an apprenticeship as a small boy aged 16 and never looked back.
Q: You worked for several different companies before you founded Sofema Aviation Services. Was it long before you had the inspiration to have your own company?
A: I guess I always wanted to try to be master of my own destiny. Coming to Bulgaria in 2006 allowed me the opportunity to develop an Aviation Consulting and Support Business. Whilst for sure there is more work involved in running your own business. I think that anyone who has done so will agree that it is very satisfying to watch your own company grow.
Q: Back then didn’t you consider establishing your own company to be a risky move?
A: Actually we started very gently and it was only myself supported by an administrator. Several years later, now we have three recognizable brands: www.sassofia.com, www.easaonline.com and www.youraviationjob.com, an office of 8 persons and a total of 10 contracted Consultant Instructors.
Q: You’re British, but the company is based in Bulgaria. How did that happen?
A: I visited Bulgaria in 2003 for the very first time and it felt like I had found my place, only someone who feels the same will understand. For example, multiple trips to Spain during the 1990’s never elicited the same feel. Maybe in a previous life I lived in Bulgaria :-)
Q: In your opinion, what is the most valuable quality a person should have in your line of work?
A: Not to jump to conclusions, gather as much information as possible before making a decision – so many times we find that first impressions are not correct. Whether this is in connection with Dealing with People or fixing airplanes, it holds true.
Q: You’ve delivered training courses in many different countries around the World. Is there a place that you liked more in particular?
A: I worked in South Asia for 3 years and enjoyed very much the climate, the food and the people, but it is for sure a place I enjoy to visit, but not a place I would like to live full time.
Q: What are the most enjoyable aspects of the job? And the most challenging?
A: The most enjoyable is to put together a project, which meets the specific requirements and is accepted by the customer – In particular, when for example a dedicated training is developed or a consultancy project successfully completes.
The most challenging is marketing the business on a limited budget. As a company, Sofema Aviation Services is focused on optimization of our costs, so we can offer the most cost effective product we can. That makes advertising a real challenge. We considered advertising in Flight Magazine and where highly amused when the cost of a single advert was approximately double the profit we expected to make.
Q: How do you find ways to make your work more interesting for you and your trainees?
A: Every training is different and it is the delegates which make it interesting. It is my goal and the goal of SAS Trainers, to make each and every training as interesting as possible, it is more than knowledge transfer – it is an opportunity to share experience.
Q: Would you like to share some interesting an extraordinary experience involving your work?
A: During a Training in Leipzig I had the opportunity to visit the Antanov 124 Cargo Aircraft – It was a very exceptional aircraft and the first time I have seen an aircraft with a 6 man cockpit crew.
Q: What do you think you would do for a living, if you weren’t in the aviation industry?
A: Well in Bulgaria I would be the owner of a guest house or small hotel and an amateur property developer.
Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I am an armchair economist, but I also enjoy the outdoors and recreational walking particularly on Mount Vitosha. I also have a project to re engine a small boat which I am looking forward to starting this year.
We thank Steve for his time and wish him all the best in his future professional endeavors!
For more information please contact SAS by email office@sassofia.com or by phone +35928210806
