AWA and its dedicated staff have helped me realise a lifelong dream of gaining my pilots licence. Their professionalism combined with the...

Chris Sutton

MEET OUR TEAM

Phil Sweeney - Director

Phil is a chartered accountant with extensive business experience. Phil is responsible for the transformation of AWA from a private and casual pilot training school to the current internationally competitive professional pilot training academy. Phils role includes marketing and business development.

Michelle Kottnig - Chief Flight Instructor

Michelle has extensive experience providing flight training to both private and airline sponsored students. Her instructional experience includes positions at the Darwin Aeroclub - NT and China Southern Flying College - Jandakot WA. She has extensive experience in remedial training and specialises in the training of overseas students. With almost 5000 hours of flying experience she also holds instrument and multi-engine training approvals, is an Authorised Testing Officer & Level 6 English Assessor. She has also had several years experience conducting remote area charter in the Northern Territory and outback Queensland.

Dave Hargreaves - Chief Pilot

Dave has over 3500 hours of flight instructional experience with instrument and multi-training approval. His instructional experience includes positions at China Southern WA Flying College (Jandakot) as the Deputy CFI, Ad-Astral Aviation (Command Instrument Rating school in Perth) as the Chief Pilot/CFI; and time with the WA government in the roles of line pilot / observer for the Police Royal Commission. Prior to joining the team at the Australian Wings Academy David was operating as a first officer on the Fokker50 with Skywest Airlines in WA.

Kevin Ladewig - Ground School

Kevin brings to AWA a wealth of aviation experience and knowledge, his career includes 20 years with Ansett, rising to a 737 Captain during this time. Kevin has 9500 hours of jet time and 14500 hours total time, he has also completed an Air Traffic Control licence. The academy continually receives feedback from students about the quality and manner in which Kevin teaches his theory, this has earned him much respect amongst the student community.