Karlee’s career takes off with TAFE Queensland
When Karlee Searle took a trial flight during her final year of high school, she had no idea it would turn her interest in aviation into a career in the cockpit.
“I was always interested in in aeroplanes and the aerodynamics of how they fly, and that introductory flight was the moment everything clicked, and I knew I wanted a career in aviation,” said Karlee.
While working in retail at a western wear clothing store and as a florist in Charters Towers, she began researching her training options.
Impressed by the learning environment and facilities available through TAFE Queensland and its industry partner, National Aviation Academy, Karlee enrolled to become a pilot.
“My research showed me that their training would prepare me as best as possible for real-world operations, using commonly used aircraft for everyday flying,” she said.
Karlee completed a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) (AVI50222-TSV) and a Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (AVI50519-PA3431), gaining practical skills and industry knowledge in a professional training environment.
“The flight school operates alongside maintenance and charter services, giving students valuable insight into different parts of the industry.”
For Karlee, that industry exposure helped her understand how different areas of aviation work together and life beyond training.
Her trainers and instructors also played an important role throughout her studies, regularly checking in to provide support and guidance as she developed her ability to fly.
While the course took her skills and knowledge to new heights, Karlee’s favorite part of completing her Commercial Pilot Licence was navigation
“I enjoyed the navigation aspect the most. It was great experience to fly to different aerodromes around North Queensland, and the scenery was incredible too.”
Training and flying from Townsville also gave Karlee valuable experience in controlled airspace.
“Operating out of Townsville, which is controlled airspace, gave great insight and experience in how to enter and exit controlled airspace.”
With each flight, Karlee's skills and confidence continued to grow.
“My flying skills progressed greatly since my first day of training. Overtime, my flight accuracy continued to increase, as well as consistent good operating habits.”
The practical nature of her training helped Karlee develop the confidence to manage challenges in the cockpit while building strong foundations for her aviation career.
Like any challenging qualification, Karlee’s training journey wasn't without its hurdles, with staying committed to the theory component becoming difficult.
“When the theory got challenging, I reminded myself of my end goal of passing my final theory exam,” she said.
Also helping was the support of her instructors, who guided Karlee to successfully pass her final theory exam and go on to complete her Commercial Pilot Licence flight test the following month.
After completing her Commercial Pilot Licence, Karlee continued to build her aviation qualifications to open new opportunities for her career within the industry.
“Flying multi-engine aircraft has always been a goal of mine. I had such a great experience completing my Commercial Pilot Licence with National Aviation Academy, that I decided to also complete the Multi-Engine Instrument Rating with them.”
“I learned through flying the Baron aircraft, a multi-engine aircraft commonly used for charter operations and found the aerodynamics of a multi-engine aeroplane an interesting and practical challenge.”
Karlee believes the combination of theory and practical flying was an important part of preparing her for a career in aviation.
“The course provided the right balance of theory and flying for my training. The maintenance and charter operations running alongside gave great experience, giving insight into how different parts of the industry work together.”
Her experience with the instructors who supported her throughout her training also inspired her to pursue a career in flight instruction.
“A byproduct of the support my instructors gave me inspired me to pursue a career as an instructor,” she explained.
Having completed her Instructor Rating, Karlee is now looking forward to transitioning from student to instructor and beginning the next chapter of her aviation career.
While she isn't sure exactly where the industry will take her over the next five to 10 years, she knows what she wants to focus on for now.
“There are so many opportunities in the aviation industry. For now, I plan to continue instructing and over time eventually upgrade my qualifications to Grade 1 fixed-wing flight instructor.”
Karlee recommends completing an Instructor Rating with National Aviation Academy to anyone looking to pursue a career in flight instruction.
“I would recommend studying an Instructor Rating directly with National Aviation Academy as the course was structured well and made the content feel manageable. It gave great insight and preparation for my first flight instructing job.”
For Karlee, her aviation journey has been about more than gaining qualifications. It has given her the opportunity to turn an interest sparked by a trial flight into a career, while gaining valuable industry experience and making lasting friendships along the way.
“The course not only opened doors in the aviation industry, but I also made countless friends and memories along the way.”
From her first trial flight in high school to preparing for her career as a flight instructor, Karlee’s journey highlights how hands-on training, industry exposure and support from experienced trainers can help turn a passion for aviation into a rewarding career.