Virgin Captain Lex Garriock Touches Down at AFT!

A huge thank you to Virgin Captain Lex Garriock (Check & Training/Virgin Recruitment team) for stopping by to chat with our ATPL students about the interview process, life as an airline captain and the incredibly rewarding career Virgin offers.

It was also a great throwback for Nathan to revisit one of his favourite stories from 1997 – joining Lex on the flight deck of a 727 freight run to Honiara!

So grateful for the insight, time and experience you share with our students Lex.

Dreams get real when you step into the Sim!

Our ATPL students headed up to Flight Options – Advanced Training & Simulation to experience the A320 simulator and learn more about the options available for airline interview Sim Check readiness, ATPL Flight tests, MCC and so much more.

An incredible opportunity to connect the theory to the real world, ask questions, and see what lies ahead.

A huge thank you to Rick Heaton for the warm welcome and for giving our students such a valuable afternoon.

From study desks to flight decks. This is what it is all about.

QantasLink :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

The QantasLink Flight Operations Management team landed at AFT last week for an informative talk about employment pathways. Our ATPL students took the opportunity to connect with the QantasLink team to find out how they can personally be involved in something special and play their part in the Qantas story.

A huge thanks to the dynamic Captain Danica Henderson (Q400/Deputy Flight Training Manager).

With QantasLink actively recruiting, it was the perfect chance for our ATPL students to hear firsthand what it takes to join the Qantas Group and become part of something bigger! Lots of valuable information was given including what working for the Qantas group looks like, QantasLink minimum hour requirement, information on interview techniques, simulator assessments, psychometric testing, bases, fleet, rostering, progression opportunities and much more!

When opportunity lands… be ready to take off. The runway to your QantasLink career starts here.

Cathay Pacific :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

Resharing from @aussieskipchris — Great to be back!

I had the opportunity to return to Advanced Flight Theory and present to a full house. It’s such a thrill to be in front of the next generation of professional aviators, especially 23 years after I was sitting in those same seats as a student myself!

I updated the presentation with a few new slides and clips, and I hope everyone walked away with something valuable. We covered Cathay’s main operational challenges, what makes the job unique, and why it’s such a rewarding and fulfilling career – especially on the iconic 747 fleet!

With #cathay ramping up recruitment in the coming years, it would be amazing to share the flight deck with some of these future aviators!

A huge thanks to everyone for having me, the audience participation, and a special shout out to Nathan Higgins for always having the answer – truly a legendary avgeek!

Blue skies

Leidos Airborne Solution :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

This week our ATPL students had an incredible opportunity to learn about aviation roles outside traditional airline pathways, highlighting the diverse career options available to pilots in Australia.

We were joined by Leidos Airborne Solutions Australia, who shared insights into their critical work in aerial border surveillance and search and rescue operations across Australia’s exclusive economic zone and SAR region on behalf of the Australian Government.

These roles are far from typical pilot jobs. Leidos pilots perform low-level, hands-on flying to execute missions of national importance. Operating highly modified aircraft equipped with advanced technology, they work as part of a dynamic, highly skilled team making a real impact.

A huge thank you to Captain Alex Przeklasa-Adamski and Talent Acquisition Advisor Makira Vann for sharing their passion and providing valuable insights into life at Leidos, including exciting career progression opportunities. It’s inspiring to see the breadth of opportunities available to our students as they prepare for their future in aviation!

RFDS Flying off Autopilot :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

This week we had the privilege of welcoming RFDS legend and AFT Alumni, Captain Mark Davies to our ATPL stage, to share his experience flying for one of Australia’s most iconic aviation organisations.

Mark offered our pilots incredible insight into a flying career beyond autopilot, including minimum entry requirements for RFDS pilots and an overview of their interview and selection process. A career with the Royal Flying Doctor Service is one built on purpose, challenge, and adventure. RFDS pilots take the King Air into some of the most remote and striking corners of Queensland, where every mission is different and every flight makes a real impact.

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear headsets.

This isn’t just flying. It’s flying with purpose.

Alliance :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

When Alliance Airlines touched down at AFT last week, they bought more than just an opportunity! They bought passion, purpose, and serious momentum.

We were excited to welcome Mitch Geddes (Manager Flight Crew Line Operations) and Rob Davis (QLD Flight Crew Base Manager) for another high-energy Pilot Recruitment Information Session. For added motivation, it’s always inspiring for our students to know that both Mitch and Rob are AFT ATPL Alumni and know what it’s like to sit in your seat.

From insights into their growing fleet and expanding network, to a values-led culture and a clear-eyed look at the recruitment process, our pilots had the rare opportunity to hear firsthand how Alliance does things differently.

Alliance is on the rise and they’re taking their people with them. It’s a powerful time to be a pilot – rise with Alliance!

Jetstar :: AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

It’s always such an honour to welcome our friend, AFT ATPL Alumni and Jetstar Airbus Captain Rosina Helbig to our ATPL stage!

Yesterday Rosy engaged and inspired our ATPL Flight Planning class as she shared her journey to the flight deck at Jetstar. From tips on the application and recruitment process to a behind-the-scenes look at training, daily operations, and life as a pilot, she delivered valuable insights into the world of all things Jetstar.

Thank you for joining us Rosy…you are such an inspiration, a wealth of knowledge and a wonderful advocate for Jetstar. We love seeing you shine so bright and appreciate the motivation and time you give to the next generation of Airline Pilots.

Upcoming AFT ATPL Pilot Recruitment Information Session

We love welcoming Airlines into our ATPL classroom for these exclusive lunch time sessions!

These info-packed events give our pilots the inside scoop on:

Minimum Requirements

Recruitment Process

Interview Tips

SIM Check Prep

Psychometric Testing

Dream big, but prep bigger. Don’t leave your future to chance. Be ready for every opportunity.

Q&A + time to network with recruiters after each session.

Cathay Cargo B747 Ramp Visit with Captain Chris

Nathan’s ramp visit to BNE this week to catch up with Cathay Pacific Captain Chris Andrew and see the Queen did not disappoint. It’s impossible not to be in awe of the Cathay Cargo B747-8 when you’re up close.

Huge thanks to @aussieskipchris, Cathay BNE manager Rae, and the entire ground team for hosting us and for their patience with the endless questions:

“Why taxi on the outboards?”

“How does the body gear steering feel?”

“How do you verify the pallets on the upper deck are in the right spot?”

Some observations from point-blank range:

The GENx engines look incredible up close.

The new gapped Kruegers are a true work of art.

That supercritical wing is just beautiful.

We could honestly go on all day. We love this bird.

A huge personal thanks to our AFT Alumni, the legendary Captain Chris Andrew @aussieskipchris. From your start of obtaining your CPL pilot licence in Australia and your time in GA, to now Captaining this majestic machine, so many Aussie pilots appreciate how much you give back to the Aviation Industry. Always available to anyone who has questions or are big Av Geeks like us, sharing your wisdom, knowledge and passion for all things aviation. We appreciate you