ABOUT US
Welcome to White Star Aviation, your ultimate destination for embarking on an extraordinary journey into the world of aviation. As a boutique Flight Training Academy, we take pride in nurturing the next generation of inspiring aviators who dare to dream big and reach for the skies.
A Passionate Team of Aviation Professionals:
At White Star Aviation, our success is driven by the passion and expertise of our ownership team. With a combined experience of over 100 years in General Aviation, these three aviation enthusiasts have come together to create a unique and empowering training environment. Their unwavering obsession with the aviation industry sets them apart, ensuring that you receive the finest guidance and support on your flight training odyssey.
Unmatched Training Excellence:
Our commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of your training. The ownership team’s collective qualifications, skills, and approvals make them the perfect mentors for aspiring pilots like you. We prioritize safety, efficiency, and comprehensive learning, providing you with a solid foundation and the confidence to conquer the skies.
Discover Our Cutting-Edge Facilities:
With a vision to inspire greatness, we have established two state-of-the-art facilities within the picturesque landscapes of New South Wales. The Ballina Airport, nestled in the enchanting Northern Rivers region, and the captivating Armidale Regional Airport in the Northern Tablelands provide the perfect settings for you to spread your wings and soar towards your dreams.
Your Journey Starts Here:
At White Star Aviation, we believe that the sky is not the limit; it’s the beginning of a remarkable adventure. Whether you aspire to become a professional pilot or simply want to experience the thrill of flying, our Flight Training Academy caters to all levels of aviation enthusiasts.
Join the White Star Aviation Family:
Embrace the passion, expertise, and camaraderie that define our aviation community. By choosing White Star Aviation, you are not just enrolling in a flight training program; you are becoming a part of a supportive and vibrant family dedicated to the pursuit of aviation excellence.
Let’s Take Flight Together:
Are you ready to embark on a journey that will redefine your horizons and unlock a world of endless possibilities? Come aboard and discover the joy of flight with White Star Aviation. Take the first step towards a future where the sky is not just the limit but a canvas for you to paint your dreams.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs, facilities, and how you can become a part of the White Star Aviation legacy. Together, let’s reach for the stars and create a future that soars above and beyond!
Jeffrey Harris (JJ)
CEO/Instructor
Having spent his early years touring the world as the drummer for several Australian rock bands including Divinyls, Bang the Drum, 1927 and GANGgajang, JJ followed his thirst for flight and completed his Commercial Pilot Licence and Instructor Rating in 2006. Having amassed over 10 years of experience as a flight and Ground Instructor at various schools around Australia, JJ has developed a following of passionate students who describe him as the ‘eternal performer’ in and out of the aeroplane. With a resume peppered with operational management and safety roles including Operations Controller for Jet Craft, the world leading CAE/Oxford and numerous safety management positions, JJ is an all-round asset to the team!
Nathan James
Director/Head of Operations/Flight Examiner
Nathan is acknowledged as a visionary in the development of Aviation training in Australia. His experience with airline specific syllabus design, development of new generation training and assessment methodologies and research into future training ideologies, distinguishes him as a leading authority in his field. He is a qualified Chief Pilot, Head of Operations and Flight Examiner with over 20 years of experience including General Aviation charter, flight training and as a Flight Training Examiner with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Nathan is the Director of four companies and throughout the years, has successfully continued to manage businesses in the IT, Aviation and education industries.
Luke Bloor
MEIR Instructor
Luke gained his instructor rating in 2018 following the completion of his Bachelor of Aviation Degree. He has been a member of the White Star Aviation team since the beginning of 2020 and in that time has provided training for the acquisition of both RAAus and CASA licenses. Since the inception of our Torres Strait Air Cadet Pilot Program, Luke has made multiple trips to the Torres Strait as both a charter pilot for Torres Strait Air and instructor for our first cadets. Luke now conducts the multi-engine instrument training for our Torres Strait Air cadets and Diploma students at our Ballina base.
Jack Boss
Instructor Flight Examiner/Head of Operations
Jake Norton
Instructor
I’ve always wanted to be a pilot, a dream that’s been with me since birth. Though I can’t explain why, flying has always felt like my calling. This passion was kindled early on by my parents, who drove past Archerfield Airport every morning on our way to school in Brisbane. I pursued flight instructing to help other aspiring pilots achieve their goals and inspire them to excel. While I see instructing as a fulfilling career path for now, I aim to pursue even greater aspirations in the future.
What I love most about instructing is the unpredictability. Each day brings new challengers as I guide multiple students, each at different stages in their training. This dynamic environment ensures that no day feels repetitive. If I had to describe flying in just two words, they would undoubtably be “happy place”.
Campbell Cheng
Instructor
As a child, I was always captivated by airplanes, gazing up in wonder whenever one flew overhead. This fascination has now evolved into a fulfilling career as a flight instructor at White Star Aviation. I completed my flight training in the US and gained additional experience flying in New Zealand before beginning my instructing career in Australia. Instructing at White Star Aviation has been an absolutely amazing experience. The atmosphere and the team I work with are incredible. Seeing my students succeed and progress in their aviation careers is deeply rewarding, and I especially love sharing my passion for aviation with future pilots. My experience flying in different countries has presented unique challenges, but I embrace these opportunities for growth and learning. Instructing allows me to inspire and guide the next generation of pilots, reinforcing my dedication to this field every day.
Grace Kiehne
Instructor
My passion for aviation developed in my late teens, but I only really considered a career in aviation after leaving school – Taking the time to educate myself on what a career in aviation really entailed. What excited me most was how a career in aviation can take you not only around the country but worldwide. After commencing my flight training in January of 2021 on the Gold Coast I was still worried I may change my mind, but after my first flight any doubts I had disappeared. I fell in love with flying. Cliche, I know. But really, I have never looked back since that day or second guessed if a career in aviation was for me, it absolutely was. After completing CPL, Multi engine & instrument rating I went on to do my instructor rating with White star aviation. On the completion of my rating, White Star offered me the incredible opportunity to join the team and share my passion for aviation with new aspiring pilots.
Chantelle Davis
Administration
Aviation offered a great deal of fascination as a little girl. From the mesmerising commercial jets to the airport staff, I couldn’t help but adore the dynamic environment. Stepping off my first commercial flight solidified my determination to pursue a career in the industry. In 2019, I completed a Cert III in Aviation – Cabin Crew. Although such training is not mandatory, it provided a pathway into our regional aviation industry. I formally stepped into the industry when I joined White Star Aviation in 2022. Every day, I am privileged to collaborate with and learn from like-minded people. Not only do I admire the commercial operations here at the Ballina Airport, but I get to support the foundation of pilot training at White Star Aviation.
My career in Aviation is yet to be defined. Whether I’m in the cockpit, cabin or operations environment, I am fulfilled.
Cooper Withers
Instructor
