He's certainly never been an aviation professional of any kind - someone did once tell me his background (it was unimpressive and i've since forgotten) but it did not include any relevant professional expertise. I have met him a couple of times and he talks a good story but it's surface knowledge and name-dropping with little or no substance.
At best, he's a well connected spotter - at worst, he's an ignorant "Walt' who opens his mouth and lets his stomach rumble.
I think that he's already been the subject of a discussion on Pprune in the past.
Surprised not to have heard him holding court over the latest tragedy in the Moray Firth - it's only a matter of time.
OH