Message from the Head of Aviation

COVID-19 has been tough for many in the aviation industry as well as the university community.  We wish you well during this challenging period. Griffith Aviation has just finished trimester one and our Nathan students have done a great job studying off-campus under constrained conditions. We are looking forward to transitioning back onto Nathan campus in due course.

The MATES student leadership team have done an impressive job moving their Wednesday meetings online during this period, and we have had some great aviation industry speakers this trimester including representatives from Airbus, CASA and Qantaslink. 

Enjoy the issue and very best wishes moving forward.

Professor Tim Ryley

Meet our new staff member - Jamie Cross

Introducing Jamie Cross our newest member of the aviation teaching team.

What is your career background?

A thousand years ago I was in the IT industry, but my passion was always flying. I obtained my private pilot’s license before I could officially drive a car, and eventually worked my way up to become a commercial pilot in the UK. I moved to Dubai to work for Emirates and ended up as a ground instructor. I went into consultancy and worked for a variety of universities, flight schools and airlines around the world. 

What are some of your career highlights?

Obtaining my commercial pilot’s license, keeping it after flying in foreign airspace where English wasn’t utilised very much and I didn’t have a clue what was going on, and, of course, coming to work at Griffith Aviation.

What courses will you be teaching at Griffith Aviation?

I’ll be getting involved in the Graduate Diploma of Flight Management program, and initially teaching Navigation and Flight Procedures, and a few other bits and pieces.

What are you most looking forward to at Griffith Aviation?

Meeting the students and cracking on with my research, which is using virtual reality to train pilots.

Any tips or advice for students?

Don’t panic. If I can do it, so can you. If you work steadily and maintain a positive attitude, you will realise your dreams.

Where are our students now - Johnathan Neilsen

After studying the Bachelor Aviation Management and graduating in late 2019, Johnathan Neilsen is thrilled when he was selected to work at the Queensland Airports Limited as the Aerodrome Reporting Officer at Mt Isa Airport.

"Earning my degree from Griffith University has given me the tools I required to branch out into the management side of the aviation industry.  Lecturers and staff within the aviation team at Griffith University gave me the support and guidance needed to help me achieve my dreams.  Involving myself with MATES (Mentoring Aviators Through Education) allowed me to evolve and make lifelong friends within the aviation industry.  Remember, you are the author of your journey, write it as you want it to be written".
Johnathan Neilson

Royal Brunei Airlines

MATES was privileged that Royal Brunei Airlines could participate as guest speakers at the last MATES (Mentoring Students Through Education Support) session at Nathan campus before the COVID-19 lockdown on Wednesday 11 March 2020. 

Almost 300 students attended an interactive presentation learning more about this boutique airline, which in 2019 celebrated 45 years of continuous service as the national flag carrier for Brunei with one of the youngest fleets in the world.  Two of the most interesting videos shown were highlighting how a Royal Brunei Airlines Dreamliner is constructed in addition to showcasing the aviation skills of the Sultan of Brunei piloting an aircraft (who himself is a qualified commercial pilot).

Professional Entry

We have an increasing number of aviation industry professionals who study with us part-time and fully on-line. Relevant aviation industry experience and qualifications can count towards the eligibility criterion via Professional Entry on the following programs:

• Bachelor of Aviation

• Bachelor of Aviation Management

• Graduate Certificate in Aviation Management

Check out the details and feel free to contact our Aviation admin team 

News, stories and more

​Do you have a story, an event, publications, or information you want to share that will interest our members? Please email GriffithAviation@griffith.edu.au. Your article should be approx. 500 words and please include a photograph (content may be edited).