TAFE Queensland clears the runway for Eloise to become a flight instructor

Frequent travel sparked an early fascination with aviation that would eventually become a career.

Before training with TAFE Queensland and Townsville Helicopters, Eloise was studying for her pilot’s licence in Newcastle.

While determined to succeed, she found that the training environment wasn’t providing the structure or support she needed.

After researching alternative options and discovering that Townsville Helicopters was TAFE-accredited, she made the bold decision to relocate to North Queensland to continue her training – a move that proved pivotal.

Eloise completed a Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) (AVI50219) and a Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (AVI50519-PA34), gaining industry-relevant skills in a highly structured and professional learning environment.

What stood out immediately was how closely the training mirrored real-world aviation operations.

The aircraft used were the same types of aircraft Eloise would expect to fly in her first job, while charter and maintenance operations running alongside the flight school offered valuable insight into how different parts of the industry work together.

“It felt like a professional environment focused on developing competent pilots, not just moving students through a course,” she said.

Eloise credits her trainers and instructors with playing a significant role in her development.

With extensive real-world flying experience, they provided practical guidance alongside strong theoretical foundations, always available to offer support and feedback when needed.

One of the highlights of her training was flying throughout North Queensland.

From operating out of a controlled aerodrome at Townsville Airport to navigating all classes of airspace, the experience offered a unique mix of technical challenge and world-class scenery.

“I loved flying around the Great Barrier Reef and seeing wildlife like dugongs, dolphins, turtles and crocodiles,” she said.

“Coming straight out of high school, I found adjusting to the structure and pace of flight training challenging.”

Eloise found the initial twelve-week theory block invaluable, allowing her to build a solid knowledge base before moving into the cockpit.

During the course, they learn aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, and advanced manoeuvres, preparing her for her Commercial Pilot Licence.

When the practical phase began, that preparation translated into confidence and sound decision-making.

Over time, her flying skills developed to a high professional standard, built on discipline, decisive judgement and consistent operating habits.

Today, Eloise applies those same standards in her role as a Grade 1 fixed-wing flight instructor with National Aviation Academy - a role held by very few women across the industry.

Since graduating, Eloise has had opportunities across a wide range of aviation operations, including aerial survey, seaplane operations, charter flying, whale spotting, aerial photography, and instruction.

Becoming an instructor had always been her goal, and she now leads training, mentors students and delivers education to the highest professional standards.

“No two days are ever the same. One day I might be conducting an aerial survey in an aircraft fitted with LiDAR cameras, and the next I’m instructing students preparing for their commercial flight tests or taking someone on their very first flight.”

What Eloise enjoys most is seeing students’ progress and knowing she has played a role in shaping their careers.

She also values the opportunity to continue building her own experience through survey work across Australia, bringing that real-world knowledge back into the classroom and cockpit.

Looking ahead, Eloise plans to keep her options open within the aviation industry, focusing on steady progression, maintaining high standards and staying actively involved in aviation long term.

Reflecting on her training journey, she says TAFE Queensland and Townsville Helicopters provided the right balance of theory, flying and real-world exposure.

“The course structure worked well for me and made the transition into flying feel manageable,” she said.

“Having charter and maintenance alongside the flight school gave me a better understanding of how the industry really works.”

For Eloise, that foundation has led not only to a successful career, but to a leadership role helping shape the next generation of pilots - proving that with the right training and support, the sky truly is the limit.