Introducing the Brisbane Pilot Training Team

Brisbane Pilot Training's 3 Core Objectives

Our aim is to produce the most competent, safe, experienced pilots for long term commercial flying success.

Real Safety

Real safety is the direct outcome of standards you accept in the things you do and will not do. Sometimes the best decision you can make is to not fly. Take-offs are optional, landings are mandatory.

Best Value

Brisbane Pilot Training provides the lowest cost pathway to a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in Brisbane.

All prices are shown on the main PathFinder Aviation website.

Serious Fun

Flying is fun. But, only if it is done safely. You won't find cranky old Air Force instructors still living in the '60s. Our instructors are hand-picked for being serious and fun!

Meet the Team

David Stehbens - CEO & Senior Instructor

Dave has been flying since 2005 and founded PathFinder Aviation in 2011. Dave is an active GA and RA-Aus Instructor with thousands of hours of instructing experience. He has trained hundreds of pilots and will fly with you during your flying lessons to check on your progress or send you solo.

When not at work - family, soccer referee.

Favourite flight so far - over western Queensland channel country after rain.

His bucket list flight - a PC-6 Porter on a one-way strip in Papua.

Marcelo Genta - Chief Flying Instructor

Marcelo has been an Instructor with PathFinder Aviation since 2015. He has been flying since 1998 when he started gliding in Brazil, and holds both US and Australian Licences. He is an active GA and RA-Aus Instructor and he enjoys training and developing new instructors. He will fly with you during your flying lessons to check on your progress or send you solo.

When not at work - Family, riding his BMW F700GS.

Favourite flight so far - to Dauphin Island, off the Gulf coast of Alabama.

His bucket flight list - 1-on-1 ACM in a fast jet.

Chris McLaren - GA & RA-Aus Instructor

Chris has been flying since 2007 and joined PathFinder in September 2018. He is the third generation of pilots in his family and has been fascinated with flying since a very young age.

He enjoys 'stick and rudder' flying, and is an experienced tailwheel and aerobatic instructor.

When not at work - family, performing as a musician at local venues.

Favourite flight so far - flying across the Great Australian Bight and seeing pods of whales with their calves close to the shoreline.

His bucket list flight - flying in the mountains of Papua New Guinea.

Jaerus Limpin - Senior Instructor

Jaerus commenced flying in 2013 and has been an instructor at PathFinder Aviation since 2017. He has achieved both a Bachelor of Aviation and a Graduate Diploma of Flight Management from Griffith University. Jaerus spends the extra effort to ensure your lesson is up to our standard but also create a fun and safe experience to benefit your training.

When not at work - hitting the gym or long rides on his Honda.

Favourite flight so far - Longreach to the QANTAS museum.

His bucket flight list - formation aerobatics.

Chris Rackl - Senior Instructor

The "German" amongst our flight instructors - so don't show up late or unprepared!

Has 22 years of experience flying fast jets in the German Air Force as WSO, instructor and fighter weapons instructor. Started flying "lawnmowers" again in Australia with PathFinder Aviation in 2015, and became an instructor with us in 2019. Bachelor of Aeronautical Science, Aviation Consultant (Quality & Safety), he is a true maths and physics nerd... don't start a conversation as he won't stop until you are proficient in Einstein's theory of relativity!

When not at work - flying privately, talking about flying, maths and physics.

Favourite flight so far - sorry, that's a national secret... he could tell you, but then...

His bucket list flight - flying as a crop duster and water bomber.

Ian Lambert - Senior Instructor

Ian has been flying since 2009 and started with PathFinder Aviation in 2017. Ian has completed his Bachelor of Aviation, Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi Engine Class Rating, Instrument Rating and ATPL theory.

When not at work - enjoys playing poker and outdoor adventures.

Favourite flight so far - trip over King's Canyon and Uluru

His bucket flight list - King Air or Pilatus PC-12 flying.

Owera Janlongsin (OJ) - Senior Instructor

OJ started flying in 2013 as a glider pilot, and received her "C" certificate. She started flying as a student with PathFinder Aviation in 2013, and commenced as an Instructor in 2019.

When not at work - playing musical instruments, car and motorcycle cruises.

Favourite flight so far - Red Bull air race aerobatics in an Extra 300L.

Her bucket list flight - flying in a Supermarine Spitfire.

Caleb Hill - Instructor

Caleb started flying in 2018 and joined PathFinder Aviation as an instructor in 2020. Caleb has completed his Commercial Pilot Licence, Multi Engine Instrument Rating and all ATPL theory exams.

When not at work - at the gym, travelling, thinking of flying.

Favourite flight so far - aerobatics in a Super Decathlon.

His bucket flight list - IFR approach into Queenstown, NZ.

Our Mission Statement

To provide excellent, effective, value for money aviation training in an environment which models, teaches and requires safety and enjoyment of flying.

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