From the bustling hangar of Sydney Flight Training to the skies above, three former instructors have charted unique courses in their aviation careers. Sydney Flight Training serves as a springboard for many aspiring pilots, honing their skills before taking on the challenges of commercial aviation.
We recently caught up with three of SFT’s finest, each now behind the controls of passenger jets for different airlines. Their journeys from instructor to airline pilot are as diverse as the destinations they now fly to, showcasing the myriad opportunities that await those who gain experience at SFT.
Jeremy Robertson - Qantas
SFT Head of Operations Peter Edwards takes us through the inspiring journey of Jeremy, a pilot whose career has come full circle.
"I was fortunate enough to meet Jeremy when he was a first officer on the Boeing 767 at Qantas. He asked my daughter if he could rent her Dad's C182RG, and Jeremy duly flew the C182RG as his recreational aircraft of choice.
Disaster struck when Jeremy was diagnosed with diabetes, prematurely ending a promising career. With a medical discharge from Qantas, Jeremy began studying medicine and seven years of dedication later, he emerged as a qualified Doctor of Medicine.
Working as both a GP and a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME), Jeremy methodically worked his way back into aviation, starting with Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus), progressing to VH-registered aircraft, and finally becoming a CASA Grade 3 instructor. I'll never forget the beaming smile on his face when he asked if we had room for a new Grade 3 instructor at Sydney Flight Training.
Jeremy juggled multiple roles as part-time instructor, country flying DAME, and full-time GP. His perseverance paid off when his Class 1 medical certificate was restored, paving the way for his return to Qantas.
While Jeremy's return to the airlines is a loss for general aviation, it's undoubtedly a gain for Qantas. Nevertheless, I'm confident we'll see Jeremy back in the GA community at some point in his career, continuing to inspire with his resilience and passion for flight."
Andrew Wells - Nauru Airlines
Another former SFT instructor whose career has grown is Andrew Wells, now a First Officer with Nauru Airlines. Andrew shares some insights into his distinctive role.
"Our operation at Nauru Airlines is truly one-of-a-kind. We fly the Boeing 737 to some of the most remote and off-the-grid islands imaginable, often landing on shorter runways than you'd typically expect for an aircraft of this size. Our destination list spans across the Pacific, connecting isolated communities to the wider world.
We operate a diverse fleet, including the B737-300 in both passenger and freighter configurations, as well as the B737-700 and B737-800 variants. Based out of Brisbane, our routes cover both domestic and international flights and for the people of Nauru, our airline is a vital connection to the rest of the world.
I’m loving the B737, it is an incredibly versatile aircraft that's perfect for our unique operations. One of the most interesting aspects of this job is the unconventional schedule. Given our international routes, workdays can start at any hour, sometimes in the middle of the night. It's challenging but adds to an already fascinating role."
Brijesh Jogiya - Jetstar
Popular member of the SFT family, Brijesh Jogiya shares his unique journey from initial instructor role in Cowra through to his current position as FO at Jetstar.
“I am currently working for Jetstar as a First Officer and absolutely love flying the Airbus A320/A321 and the A321 NEO aircraft both domestically and internationally. I began my career as a flight instructor and worked in a small regional NSW town, Cowra, for seven years prior to having the first opportunity to fly the Embraer 175 Jet in the United States of America.
After COVID, I returned to Australia and was fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of the team starting operations at Sydney Flight Training. After working as a Grade 1 Instructor for 12 months conducting ground school courses and flying training, I had the opportunity to fly the Embraer 170/190 for Airnorth, an airline based in Darwin, NT. Two years after experiencing the wonderful lifestyle the Northern Territory offered, I joined Jetstar which allowed me to return to Sydney and be in a company that offered fantastic career progression and training opportunities.
For anyone interested in flying, now is the best time to begin your studies, as we are finally out of a long ‘drought’ period in Australian aviation with so many opportunities that we have not seen in the last 30 years. During your training, at times you may seem like you are not progressing as quickly as you had planned, but it is important to remember that the single most important aspect in aviation is ‘persistence’. It will help you navigate through tough times and achieve a successful career in aviation.”
These inspiring stories from three of our former instructors and lifelong SFT family members showcase the diverse paths available in aviation. We look forward to sharing more success stories as our current instructors and students continue their aviation journeys and achieve their career goals.
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