Instructor Category: Grade 1

Timothy’s passion for aviation began early, sparked by frequent childhood trips between Australia and Hong Kong to visit family. Those long-haul flights ignited a fascination with aircraft and aviation technology—an interest that eventually led him to complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) before beginning his own flying journey at the end of university.

As a Flight Instructor, Timothy has had the opportunity to teach students from a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds. He finds the most rewarding moments in seeing students progress to their first solo and achieve key milestones in their training. Being part of those achievements, and witnessing their confidence grow, is something he deeply values.

With experience supporting airline cadets and international students, Timothy ultimately aspires to fly for a major airline anywhere in the world. One of his proudest personal milestones remains his own first solo flight—an experience that solidified his commitment to pursuing aviation professionally.

Outside the cockpit, Timothy is passionate about all aspects of aviation, enjoys travelling, and keeps active through basketball and tennis. With a unique combination of engineering knowledge and operational flying experience, he brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to instructing and loves connecting with students from diverse backgrounds.

Roger’s passion for aviation began in childhood. Growing up under the approach path to Melbourne Airport, he would pause to watch airliners roar overhead and imagine himself in the cockpit. After finishing high school, he worked full-time for several years to save for his first flying lessons, beginning a journey that included many stops and starts but never lost momentum.

Roger completed his Commercial Pilot Licence in 2008, later adding his Night VFR Rating and Flight Instructor Rating. Over the years, he worked across several industries while progressing toward an Advanced Diploma of Aviation, before finally leaving his civil construction job in 2007 to pursue flying full-time.

He has since built an extensive career across a range of training organisations, coordinating and managing diverse student groups. Roger progressed to Grade 1 Flight Instructor and eventually FIR Coordinator, leading Flight Instructor Rating programs in Melbourne for more than seven years. Guiding new instructors and shaping their development remains one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

Outside of aviation, Roger finds his greatest joy at home with his family — and with four children, there’s never a quiet day. He loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, camping, or fishing (ideally with no phone reception). A passionate sports fan and devoted Formula 1 tifoso, Roger has attended more F1 races than football matches.

Neil was born in Canada but moved to Australia at a young age, where his passion for aviation began through building model aircraft as a child. With 44 years of flying experience and an ATPL license, Neil has logged 13,500 flight hours, including 6,500 hours as an instructor. He is a highly respected Flight Examiner with all fixed-wing licenses and ratings and has dedicated 20 years of his career to serving as a Search and Rescue pilot and instructor. Additionally, Neil has held Training and Checking Approval for Cessna Citation aircraft.

When not in the cockpit, Neil enjoys the outdoor life on his farm in central Victoria. He is committed to encouraging both new and experienced pilots to maintain the highest standards in their theoretical knowledge and flying skills, always striving for excellence and 100% proficiency.

Karambir’s journey in the world of aviation took flight from the city of Auckland in New Zealand. In pursuit of a new horizon, he embarked on a remarkable educational journey where he spent his formative years in Sydney before relocating to Melbourne in 2016 to complete his education.

Initially, Karambir’s ambitions gravitated toward aeronautical engineering — however, his trajectory evolved, and he chose not to mend planes but to pilot them, guided by a growing passion for aviation.

Dedication to his newfound path, he earned an associate degree at RMIT between 2018 and 2019. The University recognised his exceptional commitment and talent, resulting in his employment as a Grade 3 Flight Instructor at the tender age of 19.

Throughout his journey, Karambir amassed a remarkable array of qualifications and expertise, including the prestigious Grade 1 Flight Instructor Rating, FIR, MECIR, Spinning & Acrobatics Rating, and a Formation Flying Endorsement. But for Karambir, the true reward of his work in aviation lies in the smiles he brings to his students’ faces. Guiding them on their inaugural solo flights and witnessing their successful flight test completions, ultimately moulding them into qualified, employable pilots, is a source of immense joy and pride.

Looking ahead, Karambir envisions a long-term goal that takes him to new heights—working with an airline, exploring the vast expanse of Australia, and eventually venturing out to explore the world, much like how he has thoroughly traversed every corner of Victoria as an instructor, Karambir’s aspirations are set on a global stage, where the sky is never the limit.

Seb’s journey into the world of aviation was a destined path that began as far back as memory serves. His fascination with aviation was ingrained in the hours spent meticulously assembling and flying model planes and the countless visits to airport lookouts. At the age of 16, Seb took his first Trial Introductory Flight (TIF). This experience was like the final piece of a puzzle falling into place, confirming his career direction. He embarked on his aviation journey immediately after completing school.

In his younger years, Seb harboured dreams of becoming a fast jet pilot, perhaps inspired by the allure of Top Gun. However, as he matured, his aspirations evolved. The path that once led to fighter jets transformed into a desire for an airline career, followed by a potential transition to corporate flying or even the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) should the opportunity arise.

In the short term, Seb envisions a continued journey towards becoming a Grade 1 flight instructor, with ambitions to eventually attain the coveted Grade 1 status. Along this path, he hopes to expand his teaching repertoire, specializing in tailwheel and multi-engine instrument flight rating (IFR) instruction. As he imparts his knowledge and experience to aspiring pilots, he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation.

Outside the realm of aviation, Seb finds solace in the warm embrace of summer and embraces an active lifestyle. His dedication to fitness and an active routine serve as a counterbalance to his intense study and work commitments.

Martin’s fascination with aviation took root when a family trip exposed him to the world of flying. A chance to explore the cockpit ignited a lifelong passion for aviation.

Having completed a Bachelor of Aviation in Queensland, followed by rigorous training at the Qantas Group Pilot Academy, he relocated to Melbourne and further fortified his expertise by achieving his G3 FIR at Learn To Fly. Martin aspires to progress through the instructing ranks, aiming for Grade 2 and, ultimately, a Grade 1. Beyond his instructional role, his sights are set on serving with either the Royal Flying Doctor Service or the airlines.

When Martin’s feet are on the ground, he finds joy in sports like Cricket, AFL (where he passionately supports West Coast), and Formula 1. His curiosity about the world drives him to explore different cultures through travel, an endeavour that enriches his perspective. Martin finds profound fulfilment in imparting his wisdom to eager minds, witnessing their growth, and guiding them toward achieving their flying ambitions. Through every takeoff and landing, Martin’s journey continues to be one of passion, determination, and pursuit.

Shayaan is a Grade 2 Flight instructor here at Learn To Fly. Growing up in the Middle East — Shayaan was always travelling to see family in other countries. Shayaan shares his favourite part about holidaying was boarding the aircraft, which kickstarted his fascination for aviation. He always knew he wanted to be a pilot from a very young age.

When Shayaan moved to Australia, he started flying at Moorabbin when he was 16. He was able to obtain his RPL at 17 and continued flying after finishing school and later finished his PPL, and CPL with us here at Learn To Fly.  Shayaan also achieved his MEIR as well as FIR with us at Learn To Fly.

Shayaan is outgoing, vibrant and personable and always loves a good discussion. 

What he enjoys about instructing the most is getting to know students’ dreams and ambitions and helping them achieve them! Shayaan believes that motivation is a great drive but flight training is sometimes challenging so his goal is always to communicate and challenge students to think outside the box.

Shayaan is living part of his dream right now because ever since he started flight training he wanted to be an instructor. In the long term, he aims to fly the PC-24 for the RFDS, helping people and meeting their needs.

Hannah was born and raised in Melbourne. She studied for the Diploma of Aviation and went on to achieve her CPL and Multi-engine Class Rating. 

When going on holidays, Hannah often looked forward to flying. Pursuing an aviation career was always on her mind as a possibility after high school, but she first attended university for a year. After that year, she realised that her passion for aviation was stronger, and had never looked back. 

Hannah loves instructing her students, she takes great joy in passing on her knowledge and seeing them progress. She says it is very rewarding to watch them develop their own skills and show understanding of her lessons.

Hannah would love to one day fly for a major airline. In the immediate future, she looks forward to becoming a grade 1, and then multi-engine instructor. 

Freddie came from Hong Kong to begin his flying career in Melbourne. He completed all his training at Learn to Fly achieving his RPL, PPL, CPL and MECIR right through to his Instructor Rating. Being 100% Learn to Fly made as a student, Freddie has continued his flying career with us as an instructor, coming full circle to help others achieve their goals. 

During Freddie’s childhood, he was always fascinated by planes flying through the sky. Now, Freddie says that he enjoys every moment of flying while passing on what he has learned to his students. He says that “students have the best classroom in the world from the cockpit, with a breathtaking view.”

Freddie is looking forward to progressing his career by pursuing his Instrument Rating and gaining experience in different aircraft particularly Multi-engine aircraft, which he hopes to master and one day teach.