Instructor Category: Grade 2

Born and raised in Melbourne, Vinay grew up right next to Moorabbin Airport — so the sight and sound of aircraft overhead quickly sparked what would become a lifelong passion for aviation. With a mother who worked as a nurse for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the inspiration to take to the skies only grew stronger over time.

Vinay completed all of his flight training at Moorabbin Airport, achieving his Commercial Pilot Licence along with his Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating, and Night VFR Rating. He also holds DF Training Endorsements, a Grade 3 Flight Instructor Rating, and a Gas Turbine Endorsement on the Cessna Caravan — where he also gained his Jump Pilot authorisation. Some of his favourite flying experiences so far include skydive operations and turbine flying in the Caravan.

Vinay is currently focused on gaining his Grade 2 and Multi-Engine training approvals. Long term, his goals include joining the airlines and eventually flying with the RFDS, following in his family’s footsteps.

Outside of aviation, you’ll find Vinay enjoying a round of golf, going for a run, or cheering on the Collingwood Magpies in the AFL. He also loves travelling, catching up with friends, and making the most of Melbourne’s food scene.

Vinay’s dream is to fly as many different aircraft as possible throughout his career — always chasing new challenges, new perspectives, and new horizons. 

Nick’s journey into aviation began in childhood, not through grand ambitions but through curiosity—an innate desire to understand how things work. Growing up in Melbourne, he spent countless hours constructing remote-controlled aircraft, drawn to the physics and mechanics of flight. But it wasn’t until university that he recognised flying was not just an interest. He pursued flight training alongside his studies, earning his Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)—a moment of profound personal alignment.

Now a flight instructor at Learn To Fly, Nick approaches aviation with both precision and purpose. He finds deep fulfillment in guiding students toward mastery, particularly those coming from overseas to train. His ambition extends beyond instruction; he aspires to refine his skills and eventually command large, long-haul aircraft.

Beyond aviation, Nick seeks challenge and discovery in other domains—hiking, riding motorcycles, and exploring unfamiliar places. At the core of his philosophy is a belief in continuous learning and deliberate effort. The pursuit of excellence, whether in the cockpit or in life, is not a destination but an ongoing process of refinement.

Julies’ fascination with aviation began during his childhood in Fiji, where the mechanics of flight captured his imagination. The dream of exploring the skies became a reality after the encouragement and support of his Australian partner, who motivated him to pursue a career in aviation.

Julies has been flying for five years, dedicating himself to rigorous study and training after moving to Australia. His journey has been filled with learning and growth, ultimately leading him to become a flight instructor.

Sharing his passion for flying is what Julies enjoys most about his role. Drawing from his background as a scuba diving instructor, he takes great pride in helping students achieve their goals, guiding them with patience and encouragement. His teaching philosophy focuses on creating a supportive environment where students feel confident to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and develop into skilled, safe pilots.

A highlight of Julies’ career was his first solo flight—a thrilling and unforgettable milestone.

Beyond flying, Julies enjoys scuba diving, a passion that mirrors his love for exploration. He also relishes traveling, embracing new cultures, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Peter’s fascination with aviation began in his childhood, inspired by his grandfather’s meticulous craftsmanship in building airplane models. This blend of engineering precision and creativity left a lasting impression and ultimately led him to pursue a career in aviation.

Peter took his first flight in 2020 at Parafield Airport in Adelaide, earning his Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) at Flight Training Adelaide in 2021. He later moved to Melbourne to complete his Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) at Learn To Fly, fulfilling his dream of flying at Moorabbin Airport.

As a flight instructor, Peter finds immense satisfaction in guiding students through their aviation journey, celebrating their milestones, and helping them overcome challenges. His teaching philosophy focuses on creating a positive, supportive environment that prioritizes safety and consistency while fostering a lifelong passion for flying.

Peter cherishes memorable moments like his first solo flight, completing his FIR, and passing his Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) exams through self-study.

Outside of aviation, Peter enjoys spending time with family, friends, and his Labradoodle, Freida. A lover of good food, he enjoys hosting dinners or exploring new dining spots and balances his lifestyle with strength-based reformer Pilates classes.

Kieran’s passion for aviation stems from a long family lineage, with his grandfather—a US Navy pilot and former Continental Airlines captain—serving as his inspiration. Listening to his grandfather’s fascinating stories of travel and adventure ignited Kieran’s dream of becoming a pilot. His ultimate goal is to become a Training & Checking Captain for a major airline, ideally flying the Airbus A350. In the short term, Kieran is focused on becoming a Grade 1 Flight Instructor to gain invaluable experience on his journey.

Kieran began flying in 2020 where he earned his Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). He joined Learn To Fly in late 2023 to complete his Flight Instructor Rating (FIR), followed by his Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR) in 2024. Now an instructor, Kieran is committed to inspiring students to follow their dreams, just as his mentors inspired him.

Believing that preparation is the key to enjoyable and safe flying, Kieran emphasises thorough groundwork to reduce stress and enhance the flying experience. One of his most memorable moments was earning his CPL, which gave him the confidence to turn his passion into a career.

Outside of flying, Kieran enjoys outdoor activities like playing footy, golf, and running. He also treasures time spent with friends and family, often combining these two passions for a perfect balance.

Leah’s passion for flying began early, inspired by holiday trips and her first flying experiences as a 16-year-old student. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a career aspiration. She enjoys the rewarding process of guiding students from their initial lessons, such as mastering the effects of control, to the unforgettable milestone of flying solo.

Leah’s teaching philosophy emphasizes patience, calmness, and making flight concepts relatable. She encourages her students to embrace challenges, reminding them that their hard work will lead to rewarding achievements.

One of Leah’s career highlights is earning her aerobatic endorsement, a testament to her skills and dedication to advanced flying. Outside of aviation, Leah enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, and immersing herself in a good book.

Aleyna’s journey into aviation was sparked by a spur-of-the-moment decision, but what kept her flying was the immense pride and joy it brought to her grandparents. Their support inspired her to persist, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Beginning her training in 2021 as part of her bachelor’s degree, Aleyna quickly immersed herself in every aspect of aviation, gaining experience in flight operations, maintenance, and scheduling. After completing her degree, she spent a year teaching at RMIT before joining our team at Learn To Fly. 

Aleyna’s teaching style is all about balance: she believes in working hard but making sure her students have fun along the way. What she enjoys most about instructing is supporting students as they reach significant milestones. For Aleyna, moments like sending her first student solo or watching someone she’s guided pass their flight test are incredibly rewarding. 

One of her most memorable experiences involved ferrying across the bay with her mentor, who showed her the importance of enjoying the journey as much as the destination. These times spent learning alongside her mentor left a lasting impression on her approach to teaching.

When she’s not in the sky, Aleyna loves exploring new places, spending time with friends, and enjoying quiet moments to recharge.

Jennifer was born and raised in Sydney, where she was inspired by her parents’ careers in the airline industry. Her mother worked as a flight attendant, and her father was on the ground crew. Listening to their stories ignited Jennifer’s passion for aviation.

Initially, Jennifer pursued a degree in data science for two years. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she realized that her true passion lay elsewhere. Trusting her gut instinct, she moved to Melbourne in 2021 to start her flight training. She completed all her training at Moorabbin Airport and then joined Learn To Fly, where she completed her Flight Instructor Rating (FIR).

One of Jennifer’s most memorable experiences during her flight training was her first night-solo circuits flight. She has thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of her training and is now excited to take on the role of an instructor. Jennifer’s ultimate goal is to fly for an international airline and explore more of the world.

Kim was born and raised on a cattle farm in rural Victoria, two hours southeast of Melbourne. His passion for aviation was ignited during a family holiday when a pilot gave him a tour of an aircraft’s flight deck. After completing Year 12 at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, Kim moved to Melbourne to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) and obtained her Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

One of Kim’s most memorable experiences in aviation was completing his aerobatics training. Inspired by this achievement, he aims to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to instruct aerobatics and spinning training. Additionally, Kim aspires to obtain his Grade 1 training endorsement. Kim’s future aviation goals include working in either the Search and Rescue sector or with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Outside of aviation, Kim enjoys playing football for the Leongatha Parrots, spending time with friends and family, and visiting his family farm whenever possible. These activities help him maintain a healthy work-life balance, allowing him to give his best to his work and students.

Rebecca Zhang was born and raised in Melbourne. Her journey into the world of aviation began with a solid educational foundation, as she completed her Bachelor’s degree before embarking on a career in food manufacturing in Sydney. However, it was the allure of the skies that ultimately captured her interest.

Rebecca’s formal aviation training took place at Learn To Fly Melbourne, where she successfully obtained both a Private Pilot License (PPL) and a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Her foray into flying was not an immediate one; it was sparked by her father’s influence, and her curiosity only deepened over the years. The turning point occurred after a Trial Introductory Flight, prompting her to transition from curiosity to action and enrol in flight training.

In both the short and long term, Rebecca is enthusiastic about contributing to the aviation community. Currently focusing on honing her skills and assisting aspiring aviators. Ultimately, she aspires to work in the airlines, leveraging her expertise to contribute to the broader aviation industry.

Outside the cockpit, Rebecca enjoys a variety of personal interests and hobbies. Whether exploring new destinations, immersing herself in literature, or embracing the outdoors, she values the balance between her professional and personal life.