Meet Our Team
Paul Daff - Chief Executive Officer
Accomplished and pragmatic, Paul is an executive leader with deep experience in leading businesses with capital-intensive, highly regulated and complex environments. Paul is adept at navigating through disruption, transforming cultures and advancing strategic outcomes, as well as leading organisations into new markets. Paul's expertise, built during his time within the Qantas & Jetstar Groups, Jetconnect and Skywest, includes; operations, commercial functions, finance, regulatory compliance, government relations, safety, project and risk management, underpinned by commercial savvy and strength in analytical thinking. Paul is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has led large multidisciplinary teams across Asia Pacific.
Karl Mackay - Head of Operations Part 141/142, Head of Training & Checking, Flight Examiner
On his 21st birthday Karl was gifted a 21st birthday TIF, and has never looked back. Who would’ve thought the youngster with a love for fighter jets would be flying everyday as a Grade 1 Instructor. Karl thrives on seeing the uniqueness of each student’s learning process and watching them become professional pilots.
Davide Ierkic - Head of Flying Operations Part 135, Head of Operations Part 138, Flight Examiner
Davide’s love for aviation began with a plastic aeroplane model at 6-years old. Now, almost 15 years into a professional career, he’s proud to be in a position to transfer his skills and knowledge to other aviators. Davide is a Grade 1 Instructor and Flight Examiner with a Multi-Engine IFR endorsement and loves training other instructors to achieve these qualifications.
Instructors
Corey Spencer - Flight Instructor & Safety Manager - Grade 1
Corey’s naturally outgoing, friendly, and humorous personality makes him a true pleasure to fly with. His passion for aviation was first sparked at the RAAF Museum in Point Cook and later fueled by the boundless freedom of the skies—a passion that’s genuinely infectious. As a Grade 1 Flight Instructor with Multi-Engine IFR and Flight Instructor Training qualifications, Corey takes great pride in guiding others on their journey toward achieving their aviation dreams.
Hugh McBain - Flight Instructor & Safety Officer - Grade 2
Watching planes at the airport as a kid was enough to ignite Hugh’s love of flight. Today as a Grade 2 instructor, he appreciates the freedom and views of the sky – assuring anyone who tries it, there’s no looking back. His responsible and honest character speaks to the quality of training and the welcoming atmosphere at RVAC. Hugh is a graduate from the RVAC Diploma of Aviation Programme.
Nathan Oyston - Flight Instructor & Continuous Airworthy Manager - Grade 2
Nathan is an avid MX-5 enthusiast turned Grade 2 Flight Instructor who takes great pleasure in teaching RPL, PPL, and CPL, as well as conducting TIFs, and is able to conduct charter flights. With a passion for flying sparked by his grandfather who introduced him to the basics of flight simulation with a computer joystick and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, Nathan's greatest joy comes from taking someone up for their first ever flight, handing them the controls, and seeing the absolute joy on their face. Nathan is a graduate from the RVAC Diploma of Aviation Programme.
Daniel Segal - Flight Instructor - Grade 2
With his grandfather's influence sparking his passion for aviation, Daniel has embarked on a fulfilling career as a Flight Instructor, known for his engaging and collaborative approach to teaching, and his unwavering commitment to safety and professionalism - his licences, which include FIR, are a testament to his dedication to the field; he is driven by the desire to positively impact pilots in the early stages of their journey, and his passion for flying remains as strong as ever. Daniel is a graduate from the RVAC Diploma of Aviation Programme.
Dilini Wijetunga - Flight Instructor - Grade 2
Dilini is a Grade 2 Flight Instructor, who caught the flying bug after completing a Trial Introductory Flight with RVAC in 2014. After investing a few years of time and effort into training, she achieved a commercial pilot licence and flying instructor rating through the RVAC Diploma of Aviation Programme. Dilini loves the variety of work in aviation and is always enthusiastic to share her knowledge with her students.
Dylan Liew - Flight Instructor - Grade 2
Energetic, approachable and honest, Dylan's love of flying began at the early age when his dad took him to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Malaysia to watch the planes come and go. Dylan and his brother challenged each other to guess the airline and where it might have come from. To this day, they still compete intensely, but luckily family squabbles are quickly settled using the flight radar app. Dylan now soars the skies as a Grade 3 Instructor, sharing his passion for flying with new students, watching them grow into qualified private and commercial pilots. Dylan is working towards his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot and visiting Taiwan.
Sophie Yu - Flight Instructor - Grade 2
Meet Sophie Yu an easy-going, yet driven and attentive Grade 2 flight instructor. Sophie was inspired, after taking a trial introductory flight in the UK and found the feeling simply liberating. From then on, Sophie knew what she wanted to do. Sophie is her best self when she's in the sky, teaching those who want to follow their dream. Sophie is a graduate of the RVAC's Diploma of Aviation Program and one day wants to fly over the world.
Anthony Nardella - Flight Instructor - Grade 3
After watching multiple aviation videos on YouTube at the age of 7, Anthony’s interest in aviation was sparked. Anthony has a passion in sharing aviation knowledge to others and gets much pleasure supporting students in obtaining their Private and Commercial Pilot License. Anthony started as a Grade 3 Flight Instructor with us in February 2024 and currently works part-time. He was awarded RVACs Peter Godkin Memorial Trophy in 2023 for the most outstanding student pilot of the year. He has also completed a Bachelor of Aviation Management at Swinburne University of Technology and has graduated RVACs Diploma of Aviation Programme.
Karen So - Flight Instructor - Grade 3
Karen is a dedicated flight instructor with a passion for aviation that took off during her very first flight as a flight attendant. A visit to the cockpit on that flight sparked a fascination with flying, inspiring her to pursue a career as a pilot. Determined to turn her dream into reality, Karen began her pilot training at the Royal Victorian Aero Club, where she laid the foundation for her aviation journey. Today, she brings that same sense of wonder and enthusiasm to her students, helping them navigate the skies with confidence and skill.
Eran Hatuel - Flight Instructor - Grade 3
Eran's journey embodies the essence of dedication and determination. From a young age, Eran dreamed of soaring through the skies, a promise made to a kindergarten teacher that ignited a lifelong passion for aviation. Through unwavering commitment and a thirst for knowledge, Eran has navigated various paths, always keeping the dream of flight close to heart. With a wealth of experience in diverse fields, Eran brings a unique perspective to the cockpit, blending technical proficiency with a warm, approachable demeanor. Eran is not only dedicated to teaching the intricacies of flight but also instilling a sense of wonder and reverence for the skies in each aspiring pilot. Join Eran on an unforgettable journey towards achieving your aviation dreams.
Joshua Hicks - Flight Instructor - Grade 3
Josh joined the aviation world with a lifelong passion for flight, sparked by growing up around the airport with his father, who worked in the industry. His fascination with planes began at a young age as he watched aircraft take off and land, and that curiosity eventually led him to pursue his pilot licence. Since starting his flight training in the RVAC VET in Schools/Diploma of Aviation, Josh has worked hard to hone his skills and become an Instructor with us. With a deep enthusiasm for aviation and a commitment to helping others achieve their flying goals, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of pilots.
Chelsea Subala - Flight Instructor - Grade 3
Chelsea recently earned her Flight Instructor Rating and brings valuable experience in aviation operations to her new role. Known for her commitment to professional standards and quality, she excels at motivating her team and helping students achieve their personal and aviation goals. While Chelsea’s ultimate aim is to pursue a career in commercial aviation, she’s passionate about cultivating the next generation of skilled pilots during her time as an instructor.
Michael Landon - Flight Instructor - Grade 3
Michael grew up in the town of Sale in regional Victoria, his house was in the flightpath of runway 04 of East Sale RAAF base. The Roulettes, King Airs and many other RAAF aircraft kept Michael looking to the sky, dreaming of surfing through the clouds. When Michael was 9, his parents took him for a joy flight in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk. The pilot sat Michael in the front right-hand seat and even let him have a go at flying the plane. From that day on there was no turning back. Aviation was Michael's future. Michael spent time flying at RAAF Point Cook, RAAF East Sale, and Bairnsdale aerodrome for fun before he discovered Royal Victorian Aero Club, where he completed his RPL, PPL, CPL, Multi-engine IFR and Instructor Rating. Michael is now a Grade 3 Flight Instructor here with RVAC, and he is passionate about sharing the wonderful experience that is Flight.
Stjepan Nikolic - Flight Instructor - Grade 3
Stjepan's passion for aviation began in high school, inspired by movies like Star Wars, Top Gun, and other aviation classics. At 13, in the mid-'80s, gliding was his only option. However, powered flight became a reality in late 2019 when he joined the Royal Victorian Aero Club, earning his RPL and PPL. Driven by a desire to push the boundaries of flight, he pursued ratings in Spin & Aerobatics, Formation, Low Level, and more. Aerobatics became his true passion, and he has competed in State and National Championships since 2021. Committed to continuous learning, Stjepan has completed IREX, 7 CPLs, and an Instructor's rating. In early 2024, he obtained a Spinning and Aerobatics Training Endorsement (1500ft). He has also completed Night VFR Training and a Command Instrument Rating at RVAC. Outside of flying, Stjepan enjoys camping and outdoor activities.
Deborah Fanning - Aviation Theory Instructor
Deborah has been teaching Aviation Theory Instructor for the last 20 years with a passion for inspiring her students. Deb first fell in love with planes at the age of 13 and first started flying back in 1981. After a stint flying gliders Deb bought her own plane in 2007 and completed her CPL. Today, she delights in the breathtaking views of flying and the evolving nature and challenges within aviation.
Staff
Aircraft Maintenance
Matthew Willams (LAME) - Chief Maintenance Engineer
Matt loves being challenged and using it as an opportunity to learn and grow his knowledge. With 7 years as a LAME at RVAC and 3 years of experience as Chief Engineer, it’s clear he’s living his philosophy of ‘There’s always a chance to learn’. He brings an enthusiastic, confident and friendly attitude to the team.
Francis Watterson - Apprentice (LAME)
Francis is an Apprentice (LAME) Aircraft Engineer at RVAC, with 2 1/2 years of experience. With qualifications in Aeronautical Radio Operators Certification and a diploma of Aero Skill Mechanical, Francis describes himself as attentive, relaxed, and enthusiastic. Francis' love for aviation began when he was much younger, looking up at the sky. He enjoys aiding in the mechanical process of the ability of flight and loves the freedom and professionalism of the aviation industry.
Administration
Chloe Parsons - Reception & Customer Service
Chloe Parsons is a friendly, funny and energetic Flight Operations Administrator with a passion for meeting new people and working in the aviation industry for the past 3 years. Her fiancé is a pilot, which has only fueled her excitement for aviation even further. Chloe loves the feeling of seeing familiar places from a completely different perspective and finds it thrilling to be a part of the behind-the-scenes operations that make flying possible. Whether she's helping pilots prepare for a flight or coordinating schedules, her enthusiasm and energy always shine through.
Lorrelle Orrmann - Membership & Events
Lorrelle brings a wealth of experience in administration, having worked for many years in child care services. A passionate aviator, she previously owned and flew a Piper Tri-Pacer and has been actively involved in the aviation community, including time as the editor of Rags & Tubes, the magazine of the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia. Friendly and knowledgeable, she’s a valuable addition to our front office team.
Fiona Atkin - Financial Book Keeper
Fiona joined the Royal Vic team in April 2024 and has a wealth of experience in customer service, sales, financial services, accounting and bookkeeping. Fiona works towards end-to-end solutions to enhance our RVAC Customer experiences so if you need to contact Fiona, she is here full time on weekdays and you will find her extremely courteous and professional.
Helen Walker - Member Services
Helen is our longest serving employee–having worked closely with our community for the past 37 years. She’s a people person at heart, which is why she’s our much-loved Member Services Coordinator. While her career in aviation wasn’t ignited by a passion for flying—she’s thoroughly enjoyed learning new things in such a dynamic industry. Her kind and pleasant nature make her a delight to be around, as she’s always genuinely interested in interacting with those she crosses paths with.
Tim Newman - RTO Compliance & Student Administration
Tim is a recent addition to RVAC. With a career working in the vocational education sector for over 24 years, he has undertaken roles in training, contract management, compliance and RTO management. In addition to his role in Compliance and Student Administration, Tim is also a member of the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council of Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE). If you don’t see Tim working on the front desk, just listen out for his infectious loud laugh.
Flight Deck Bar & Grill
Katerina Batis
When you visit the Flight Deck you’re sure to meet Katerina. Happy, energetic and super helpful, Kat loves meeting everyone who visits the Flight Deck to eat, drink or chill out. Kat loves the eurphoic feeling you get as you soar into the sky and likens it to sipping champagne or eating chocolates. Kat’s passion for flying has even led her to try a couple of aerobatic flights and now there's no looking back. Kat will ensure you enjoy your visit to the Flight Deck so much, that you'll keep you coming back.
Ari Batis
Ari is our friendly Caterer and he’s been feeding the stream of hungry pilots and aviation enthusiasts at RVAC since 2019. Prior to this Ari spent many years in the Hospitality industry. He takes much pride in providing exceptional catering services to all our guests, and is an uplifting presence at the Flight Deck Bar & Grill. His journey into aviation was by the movie, Top Gun–and after 22 years as a member of our Aero Club, he still is madly in love with watching planes takeoff!
