MY FLIGHT DECK PREP

HI, I'M SEAN.

Current Air New Zealand Pilot.

Former Jetstar Captain • Virgin Australia & Qantas FO • Q400 Captain

Aviation careers rarely follow a straight line.

Mine certainly didn’t.

I’ve experienced career breaks, redundancy, leadership roles outside aviation and five separate airline recruitment processes before ultimately joining Air New Zealand.

I’ve been where many pilots are right now:

• Wondering when I’ll get my chance.

• Unsure how to stand out.

• Trying to navigate a competitive recruitment process.

I began flying in the late 2000s before stepping away from aviation due to the financial realities many aspiring pilots face.

During that time, I built a career in travel and corporate sales, leading teams, interviewing candidates and assessing applications—experiences that gave me valuable insight into what employers look for beyond technical qualifications.

Determined to return to the flight deck, I self-funded recurrent training and completed my ATPL theory while working full-time.

With around 900 hours, I applied everywhere before finally getting my opportunity flying single and twin-engine aircraft in remote Australia.

Since then, I’ve successfully navigated 5 different airline recruitment processes and flown in a variety of airline roles.

Airline Experience

✓ Jetstar – Q300 First Officer & Captain

✓ Virgin Australia – Boeing 737 First Officer

✓ National Jet Express – Q400 Captain

✓ Qantas Group – Boeing 737 First Officer

✓ Air New Zealand – Second Officer

Like many pilots, my career has also included unexpected challenges. In 2020, just weeks after gaining my first Jet role with Virgin Australia, I was made redundant. I worked outside aviation, kept moving forward, and continued applying until another opportunity came.

Those experiences reinforced something I firmly believe:

Strong applications and thoughtful preparation matter.

Airline recruitment is about more than hours in a logbook. It’s about presenting your experience professionally, communicating your value effectively, and demonstrating the qualities airlines are truly looking for.

That’s why I created My Flight Deck Prep.

To provide pilots with practical, aviation-specific guidance built on real-world experience—not generic advice.

Whether you’re applying for your first flying role, preparing for an airline interview, or taking the next step in your career, my goal is simple:

To help you present yourself with confidence and stand out for the right reasons.

Stronger Applications. Better Opportunities.

A PROFESSIONALS PERSPECTIVE

Real insight from a current airline professional.