With a fast-growing reputation as the UK’s errand girl, Heather Stopher is plying a fine trade in the business aviation arena right now. Since its formation two years ago, her company Stopher Aviation Services has variously been employed by two US fractionals and Flexjet Operations A/S to run their UK stock locker programmes.

Says Stopher: “I am now the world’s leading expert at setting up locker programmes, liaising with FBOs, sourcing suppliers, and loading and driving Transit vans between Manchester, Luton and Farnborough.”

Over the last 24 months, companies have asked Stopher to expand into other areas which, she says, she has been more than happy to do. “For example,” she said, “Flexjet A/S had me auditing the interior and exterior of each aircraft every month, checking the onboard stocks to ensure they complied exactly with company criteria. I was also in demand as a ramp liaison officer and 'go-get' person for new or vvip flights leaving or arriving from the London airfields.

“Before Flexjet Operations A/S decided to cease operating their own aircraft they flew me over to Copenhagen and asked me to write their cabin standards and services manual and also to run standards training courses for cabin and flight deck crew.”

Stopher says she has received some bizarre requests in her current role. “I have been to purchase a pot of caviare at Harrods and deliver it to a Gulfstream at Farnborough,” she said. “I have arranged for the collection of (what I presumed to be) a footballer’s love-letter from Northolt and for its delivery to a beautiful TV personality who was so thrilled with the contents that she gave my colleague a very handsome tip indeed.

“And It is fortunate that I run an ancient three-litre Volvo as I have stood in the queue at McDonald’s

in the centre of Luton, collected a meal and driven it at high speed to a Learjet at the airport. This was in order that the chips would still be crisp for Rubens Barrichello’s imminent arrival.”

Heather Stopher is not new to business aviation. Describing herself as an all-rounder, she ‘retired‘ two years ago from full-time work after a lifetime in GA. She has held various positions ranging from operations manager to chief of cabin crew and during her youth, she owned her own aircraft and flew sailplanes as well.

Said Stopher: “I set up Stopher Aviation Services because I wanted to keep in contact with GA but also because I’d bought a horse on my retirement and found I needed funds to keep it. Having owned and run a light aircraft, I now realise it is nothing compared to the running costs of a horse.”

Stopher says business has been very good recently although expects things to tail off slightly. “Flexjet has disappeared from the list,” she said, “and they leaned heavily on my knowledge/services. However, I am talking to two large Swiss and one large US company which may well turn out to be promising. As long as

it keeps me in hay/straw/fuel and vet’s bills, whatever level it is will be okay with me.”

Asked about any competition she may have for this unusual line of business, the 52-year-old said: “I think at this moment in time, I'm the only self-employed UK person. I am filling in the gap between what the handling agent is able to supply and the requirements of the distant aircraft operator. I'm a sort of 'can do anything' security blanket that anyone can make use of.

“So far I don't think anyone has considered it for a moment because of the irregularity and unknown quantity or return of the work involved. It is a risk.”