Meet the CCAC Team

Instructors

Our flight instructors are dedicated to the highest standards of safety, professionalism and airmanship. Whether you’re taking your very first flight, working towards a Recreational or Private Pilot Licence, undertaking advanced training or adding an endorsement to your logbook, our instructors are committed to helping you achieve your aviation goals. Their extensive flying experience, technical knowledge and passion for teaching provide students with a strong foundation of skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their flying careers.

Beyond technical proficiency, our instructors pride themselves on creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment where students can progress at their own pace. With a patient, friendly and encouraging approach, they take the time to understand each individual’s learning style, helping pilots of all experience levels develop their abilities safely and effectively. Their commitment to excellence ensures every lesson is both rewarding and focused on building capable, confident aviators.

Andrew Smith
General Manager / CEO
Andrew serves as both the President of the Central Coast Aero Club as well as the CASA­ appointed CEO of our subsidiary flying school, Warnervale Air. Andrew holds a Commercial licence and a Grade 1 Flight Instructor rating with a large range of training endorsements.
Benjamin Mink
Head of Flying Operations
Ben commenced his Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) training with the CCAC at the age of 15. Once he achieved his PPL, he moved to Canada to complete a Diploma of Aviation at Mount Royal University. Through this course he achieved his Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL). Ben now acts as our Head of Operations – overseeing pilot standards.
Sam Bignell
Senior Flight Instructor / Safety Manager
Sam has worked for various general aviation companies and flight schools over the years, and is also a flight examiner. This provides students with a wealth of knowledge and experience. You will find Sam teaching anything from basic training to more advanced training such as instructor, instrument and multi as well as conducting flight tests. Sam also serves as our Deputy CEO and Safety Manager.
Luke Sheldon
Grade 1 Flight Instructor
Guy Baldwin
Grade 1 Flight Instructor
Bobby Leung
Grade 1 Flight Instructor

Maintenance Staff

Behind every safe and successful flight operation at Central Coast Aero Club is a dedicated team of maintenance professionals committed to keeping our aircraft in exceptional condition. Working from our facilities at Warnervale Airport, the maintenance team combines extensive industry experience with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every aircraft is maintained to the highest standards of safety, reliability and regulatory compliance. Their expertise, professionalism and commitment to excellence play a vital role in supporting flight training, aircraft hire and club operations, giving pilots and students the confidence that they are flying well-maintained aircraft they can trust. Their contribution forms an important part of the strong safety culture that has helped make flying at Warnervale Airport a safe and trusted aviation environment for generations of pilots and students.

Dave Tennant
Maintenance Manager / Chief Engineer
Dave has extensive experience in the General Aviation industry and is qualified to maintain a vast array of aircraft types from old classics to advanced multi engine aircraft. He also has approvals to maintain RAA aircraft, light sport aircraft and experimental types.
Ben Tennant
Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Logan Campbell
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Ted Davis
Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice

Administration Staff

The administration team at Central Coast Aero Club are often the first friendly faces members, students and visitors encounter, helping to create the welcoming and supportive atmosphere the club is known for. Whether assisting with flight bookings, memberships, training enquiries, events or day-to-day operations, the team works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment to outstanding service play a vital role in supporting the club’s members and helping new pilots begin their aviation journey with confidence.

Jodi
Administration Manager
Penny
Administration
Narelle
Maintenance Administration

The Team Behind Your Aviation Journey

Learning to fly is about more than just time in the cockpit. At Central Coast Aero Club, our instructors, maintenance engineers and administration team work together to create a supportive, professional and safety-focused environment for every student. With decades of combined aviation experience, our team is committed to helping pilots progress from their very first flight through to advanced licences, ratings and endorsements.

From maintaining our aircraft to the highest standards to providing expert instruction and personalised support, every member of the team plays a role in helping students achieve their aviation goals with confidence. Whether you are undertaking a Trial Instructional Flight, working towards a Recreational, Private or Commercial Pilot Licence, or adding additional ratings and endorsements, you will be supported by people who are passionate about aviation and dedicated to your success.

As one of Australia’s longest-established aero clubs, Central Coast Aero Club has built a reputation for professionalism, safety and a welcoming club culture. Our team takes pride in helping each student enjoy the journey of learning to fly while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become a safe and capable pilot.

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