Doing it for others: Aspeq welcomes newest flight examiner

Based in Dunedin, the role allows Jordan to stay deeply connected to the aviation community he grew up in, while helping the next generation of pilots reach the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Jordan comes from a flying family, and has wanted to be a pilot like his dad, Philip, for as long as he can remember.

“Growing up, I just wanted to do what my dad did - fly small planes to Stewart Island and other incredible places around the country,” he says.

When Jordan was still young, his family moved to Dunedin to take over the operations of Mainland Air, which Jordan continues to run alongside his whānau today. That grounding in General Aviation - the sector focused on smaller aircraft, flight training, and community-based flying - has shaped his entire career.

Unlike many pilots, Jordan chose not to go into commercial aviation or the Air Force, choosing instead to build a fulfilling career as both a pilot and a flight instructor - showing aspiring aviators there are different paths to success.

“My advice to future pilots is don’t rush into anything. If you enjoy General Aviation, stay there as long as you can - it’s some of the most fun flying you’ll ever do.

“If you enjoy being an instructor and do it long enough, you will naturally become a good examiner. Being an examiner is an incredible privilege and fulfilling career in its own right.”

Jordan was just two weeks old when he first took to the skies in his dad’s airplane. He began flight training at 13, and completed his first solo flight as soon as he legally could at 16. At just 25, he earned an A-Category Flight Instructor rating, qualifying him to work as an examiner. After gaining several more years of experience as a flight examiner, he reached another major milestone this year with his appointment as a flight examiner for Aspeq.

“I’m grateful to Julie and Peter [Aspeq examiners] for putting me forward for this role, and I’m excited to give back in the same way others did for me.”

His understated approach might downplay the achievement, but it’s a significant one. At age 31, Jordan has reached what many consider to be the highest achievement in aviation and a role that carries immense responsibility.

“Flying is a skill and a discipline. People often think flying is pure freedom, and while that’s partly true, it comes with a lot of rules and responsibility. Being able to do it safely, competently, and still enjoy that freedom is incredibly rewarding.”

As an examiner with Aspeq, Jordan plays a critical role in maintaining New Zealand’s aviation safety standards - guiding pilots through one of the most challenging moments of their careers and ultimately helping them progress.

“Supporting people to reach that standard, shaking their hand, and knowing they’ll go on to fly others safely for the rest of their lives is a real thrill.”

Aspeq CEO Hamish Findlay, who formally delegated flight examiner authority to Jordan, says the appointment reflects both skill and character.

“Flight examining for Aspeq sits close to the pinnacle of aviation training. Jordan’s appointment is a testament to his dedication, experience, and commitment to aviation safety.”

For Jordan, the role brings his journey full circle - combining a lifelong love of flying with the chance to support others coming through the system.

“I’m lucky enough to come from a flying family, but I want people to know that anyone can do this, with enough passion and determination.

“I became a flight examiner because I want other people to be able to enjoy a career like mine. Aviation has given me so much, and this role lets me give something back -  helping people reach a standard where they can fly safely, confidently, and hopefully love it as much as I do.”