Shaping the Future of Aviation: Inside Aspeq's 2025 Flight Examiner Seminar

That's exactly what happened at Aspeq's 2025 Flight Examiner Seminar, where our team of expert examiners came together for a day dedicated to excellence, standardisation, and the future of aviation safety in New Zealand.

Ask the Experts

Under the theme "Ask the Experts – Targeted Discussion to Promote Standardisation," the seminar was designed as an engaging, interactive, and collaborative workshop. At the helm was Paul Kearney, Aspeq's Deputy Aviation Manager, whose 30-year aviation career and passion for continuous improvement made him the perfect facilitator for the day's critical discussions.

"I enjoy helping to shape the way the industry is going and ensuring we're heading in the right direction of continuously improving safety," Paul shared when he first joined Aspeq. This seminar embodied that philosophy perfectly.

Preparation Meets Purpose

Paul's meticulous approach was evident from the start. Prior to the seminar, he surveyed all flight examiners to establish a benchmark for consistency across the board. The results were encouraging – confirming that Aspeq's examiners are united in their commitment to testing candidates fairly and standardised.

An attendee recalled receiving advice from one of Aspeq’s highly experienced examiners Julie Vaughn. Sharing knowledge like this has become a cornerstone of Aspeq's examination philosophy. It's practical wisdom, passed down and refined over decades, that ensures candidates aren't just technically proficient – they're genuinely competent at decision-making under pressure and identifying, mitigating, and managing risk.

A Day of Deep Diving

The agenda covered everything from CPL groundwork and instrument rating orals to instructor ratings and the often-challenging art of the debrief. Each session sparked rich discussion, with examiners sharing insights from their diverse experiences and learning from one another.

Throughout the day, one mantra resonated: "The standard we walk past is the standard we accept." It's a powerful reminder that maintaining high standards isn't passive – it requires active engagement and vigilance from every examiner.

The Power of Collaboration

One of the seminar's most valuable outcomes was strengthening Aspeq's collaboration framework. With examiners spread across New Zealand, maintaining consistent standards requires ongoing communication. The team will utilise Aspeq's collaboration hub to ensure standardisation continues long after the seminar concludes.

These gatherings aren't just about checking boxes – they're about creating a community of practice where experienced professionals can share strategies, challenge assumptions, and collectively elevate the standard of aviation examination in New Zealand.

Experience You Can Trust

Paul Kearney's journey exemplifies the depth of expertise within the Aspeq team. What began as pilot training with dreams of flying commercially for Air New Zealand took an unexpected turn when he discovered his passion for teaching. For 25 years, he honed his craft at Massey University's School of Aviation, eventually becoming Chief Flight Instructor in 2019, where he led a team of 25 high-performing instructors and examiners.

In 2017, his exceptional contribution to general aviation flight instruction was recognised with the prestigious Captain Vujcich Memorial Award. And for 15 years, he's been examining candidates with Aspeq – first as a part-time examiner, and now managing the very team he was once part of.

Paul's role extends beyond internal management. He works closely with the CAA's Licensing and Standards team to understand, uphold, and even anticipate regulatory requirements, while collaborating on initiatives to ensure New Zealand's aviation industry remains world-class and future-ready.

Looking Forward

The 2025 Flight Examiner Seminar wasn't just about maintaining standards – it was about continuously raising them. As New Zealand's aviation industry evolves, so must the rigour and consistency of our examination processes. With experts like Paul leading the way and a team of dedicated examiners committed to excellence, Aspeq is ensuring that every pilot who passes through our examination process is truly ready for the skies.

The discussions held, ideas generated, and connections strengthened during this seminar will continue to shape how Aspeq approaches aviation examination and safety. Because at Aspeq, we don't just examine pilots – we help shape the future of aviation safety in New Zealand.