Rock Star Blends Flying And MRO At Cardiff Aviation

Bruce Dickinson combines his passion for aviation and music as chairman of Cardiff Aviation and lead vocalist for Iron Maiden. He plans to fly the band in a Boeing 747 during its next tour—but beforehand, he's spending time in this 747 simulator to get his type rating. 

Inside one of Cardiff Aviation's hangar at St. Athan-Cardiff Airport Aerospace Enterprise Zone in South Wales, U.K. It operates 132,000 sq. ft. of hangar and workshop space at the former RAF maintenance base.

Engineers removing an engine at Cardiff Aviation’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility.

Cardiff Aviation’s high-precision 3-D scanning equipment is used for aircraft components. The company recently completed audits for obtaining European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 21 manufacturing approval.

The MRO provider incorporates a variety of engineering and machining facilities. 

Cardiff Aviation’s paint workshop is dedicated to components, but Bruce Dickinson says the company is talking to an investor who is interested in building a paint hangar.

A Boeing 737, the first aircraft for Cardiff Aviation’s ACMI airline. Its call sign is Maiden-001, an homage to Iron Maiden.

Cardiff Aviation’s training center operates three simulators: two 747-400 simulators and a Sikorsky S-61 helicopter simulator. The S-61 sim is one of only two in Europe.

Maiden-001 inside Cardiff Aviation’s MRO facility at St. Athan.

One of the 747-400 simulators, with promotional branding for Iron Maiden's new album, The Book of Souls.

A close-up of the cockpit of Maiden-001 prior to a promotional flight/listening party for Iron Maiden’s album, The Book of Souls.