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.



AFT FlyPink at Qantas Sydney HQ 💗

Vanessa, Kayley, Izzy, AFT Alumni and friends were proud to attend the 2025 Fly Pink Gala in October, standing together in support of an incredible cause. Nights like this are about lifting each other higher, showing up for one another, and shining bright in pink. This incredible event raised over $160,000 for Breast Cancer Research.

We are so inspired by the Fly Pink community and the incredible impact being made. Finding breast cancer early significantly improves treatment options and outcomes. It is not just a woman’s issue – did you know men can get breast cancer too? Awareness and early checks matter for everyone! @weflypink 🩷




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 🤩




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

Today, we were thrilled to welcome RFDS QLD legends and AFT Alumni Captain Mark Davies (Supervisory Pilot) and Lachlan Otto (Talent Acquisition Advisor) to talk all things RFDS Queensland.

They shared incredible insights with our current pilots about what it’s like to fly off autopilot! Embracing a career full of adventure, purpose, and challenge with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As an RFDS pilot, you could find yourself flying the mighty King Air into some of Queensland’s most remote and breathtaking locations, where no two days are the same.

Not all heroes wear capes – some wear headsets…this isn’t just flying, it is flying with purpose! @rfdsqld




AFT Tarmac ATPL Alumni Student Reunion

When the runway closes at YBSU and Nathan starts an AFT pilot reunion on the tarmac!

It’s always such a privilege to see so many of you living your dream.

📸 Nathan with Jetstar Captain Ben and Alliance FO Kane Van Beek.




Alliance Airlines Touches Down at AFT – AFT Alumni Shane & Kane

A big thank you to Alliance Airlines Aircrew and Advanced Flight Theory alumni Captain Shane Billman and First Officer Kane Van Beek for providing our ATPL class with an awesome Alliance experience today.

With the temporary closure of a runway at YBSU, we had the unique opportunity to get up close with the majestic Fokker F70 and have an exciting chat with Shane and Kane.

It was an unforgettable experience that ignited our ATPL students during Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems week and sent them back to the classroom more motivated than ever to continue their training journey.




Engineering Excellence at McDermott Aviation :: CPL Helicopter Student Excursion

🚁 Engineering Excellence at McDermott Aviation 🚁

Recently our CPL(H) theory students were privileged to visit the McDermott Aviation engineering hangar which is home to one of Australia’s leading aerial firefighting fleets.

With expert guidance from the McDermott team, students gained valuable insight into the rigorous maintenance, inspection, and overhaul procedures that keep these incredible machines flying and ready to protect lives and property during fire season.

Thank you to McDermott Aviation for offering a behind-the-scenes look at the critical engineering that underpins operational excellence in rotary-wing firefighting. As Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter company our students were in absolute awe of your operation 🔥🚁🤩

@mcdermott.aviation.engineering @mcdermott_aviation




A Day in the Life of a Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot at LifeFlight

Our CPL(H) students kicked off their first day of Navigation yesterday with a visit to the LifeFlight hangar, where they got an up close look at their impressive AW139 helicopter. What a machine!

A huge thank you to Captain Ryan Cross (AFT ATPL(H) alumni) and Base Administrator Kay Hollyoak for generously sharing their time and knowledge. Their insights gave our students a real world perspective of what a day in the life of a Search and Rescue (SAR) pilot looks like. From medical evacuations, vehicle and ocean rescues to disaster response, SAR crews are on call 24/7 – navigating tough high pressure environments while making quick critical decisions on weight and balance, fuel calculations and flight planning. All of this is done while piloting an advanced aircraft like the AW139, with the focus of putting the safety of others first!
We are very fortunate to have Australia’s largest and most advanced aeromedical service right here on our doorstep at the Sunshine Coast Airport.

Thank you @lifeflight_au for everything you do!




Behind the Scenes with Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service

🚁 Our CPL Helicopter students had the incredible opportunity to visit the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service hangar for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. 🌊

From learning about real-world rescue operations to getting hands-on insights into the aircraft’s capabilities, our students learnt about the skill, precision, and teamwork it takes to save lives from the sky.
Huge thanks to the Westpac crew including Aircrew Officer Ben Campbell for sharing their time, knowledge, and stories—it was an inspiring look into how helicopters can make a life-saving difference.
🔧 Aircraft capabilities
🌐 Operational insight
🚨 Real-world rescue stories
🚁 Career inspiration

@westpacheliqld