Robert Loretan
Aviation Experience Summary
The Beginning
My career in commercial aviation started on a freight run in outback Queensland. In 1968 I joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) where I completed the first of two all jet pilot courses.
VIP Flying
After graduation my first assignment was to the RAAF’s VIP Squadron flying Heads of State and cabinet members around Australia and the South Pacific Region. On several occasions I was selected to crew aircraft for Royalty. This task required precise planning and exact execution. It also required social skills flexible enough to mix comfortably in all levels of society.
RAAF Flying Instructor Jet
I joined the RAAF with the intention of becoming a military flying instructor because my driving ambition in aviation is to teach flying. In 1974 I was posted to No 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce as a flying instructor on the Macchi Jet Trainer conducting advanced military flying training in high speed jet aircraft.
Australian / Malaysian Pilot Training
When the RAAF began training Malaysian Air Force Pilots I was chosen as the Project Officer. I worked closely with the RAAF’s aviation psychologist to develop training strategies to teach students who use English as a second language. I have specialized in this area of flying instruction ever since.
The United States Air Force
From 1976 to 1980 I represented Australia as an exchange flying instructor with the United Sates Air Force (USAF) instructing in the supersonic Talon T38 at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. I was privileged to be one of the flying instructors appointed to instruct the first female pilots in the USAF.
The Human Resources Laboratory (HRL)
In 1978 the USAF commissioned the first of its six axis full vision T38 flight simulators. I was invited to join staff of the Human Resources Laboratory to assist in a multi-million-dollar experiment to evaluate the transfer of skills from modern flight simulation into airborne skill during a pilot’s skill development phase (Learning Phase). I was also invited to participate in various aviation psychology studies. I chose to study Human Information Processing during a pilot’s skill development phase and to study techniques to objectively evaluate pilot manipulative and decisional skills.
Ever since this exposure to aviation psychology I have specialized in developing training techniques and processes that complement human information processing functions. These unique techniques and systems that complement the functions of the human brain are very efficient. The result is that my trainees graduate at a higher standard and with a deeper understanding of aviation.
RAAF Examiner of Examiners
After returning from the USA I was posted to the Central Flying School (CFS) where I performed the duty of examiner of examiners. This involved touring the three armed forces and evaluating their squadron examiners as they flight tested operational instructors and line pilots.
The Roulettes Jet Aerobatic Team
CFS is the home base for the RAAF’s Australian formation aerobatic team, the “Roulettes”. I flew as a member of the 1980 display team. I enjoyed this experience as I learnt how to perform precise skills under pressure and within fine safety margins.
Chief Instructor Nationwide Aviation Space Academy (NASA) –Cessnock NSW
In 1981 I left the RAAF to become the Chief Instructor at NASA (Cessnock). This was a large flying school conducting integrated commercial pilot training of both theory and practical flying. NASA trained over one hundred students annually. While I was the Chief Instructor at NASA we established the first aviation degree in Australia (Newcastle University) and the first aviation degree in New Zealand (Massey University).
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
In 1995 I joined the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) as the Manager Airspace and Aerodromes. During that appointment I worked as one on the foundation members of “Airspace 2000” and helped organize changes to the Australian Airspace structure and its management. In 1997 I was appointed as the Acting General Manager West Region and was responsible for the regulation of all civil aircraft in the three western states covering half the Australian continent.
General Manager Personnel Licensing CASA
From December 1997 to December 1999 I was appointed to the position of General Manager Personnel Licensing and was responsible for the licensing and medical standards of Australian pilots, Maintenance Engineers and Air Traffic Controllers. I initiated the Cyber Exam system and the Internet Medical Recording system and was the originator of The Multi-crew Pilot Licence that has been adopted by ICAO.
Professional Pilot Training (PPT) Coffs Harbour
After leaving CASA I purchased Professional Pilot Training where I am the Chief Flying Instructor and Chief Pilot. PPT specializes in training foreign students for Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea, plus Korean, Indian and Singaporean students. PPT conducts full time integrated airline cadet training for the commercial pilots licence and multi engine Command Instrument Rating.
At PPT I specialize in instructional techniques compatible with the psychology of human information processing that are adapted to persons who use English as a second language. I actively integrate personal development education into the training of pilots to polish their personal qualities as leaders, aircraft commanders and good citizens.
As the CFI of Professional Pilot Training I secured a contract to teach Check and Training Officers for Airlines PNG and Air Niugini (Train the Trainer). I developed the course and delivered all of the instruction. I enjoy flying instruction and teaching young people to fly and take leadership positions in aviation. I am proud of my graduates, as they are just the best young people you can imagine.
Australian Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL)
Australian CASA Approved Test Officer since 1982 - for all fixed wing licenses, ratings and approvals
Instructor Ratings: Initial Issue and Renewal Grade 1, 2 and 3
Commercial Pilot Licence: Initial Issue SE and ME
Command Instrument Rating: Initial Issue and Renewal SE and ME
Instrument Training Approval: Initial Issue and Renewal
Issue of Twin Training Approval
Night VMC: Initial Issue
Private Pilot Licence: Initial Issue
General Flying Progress Test: Initial Issue
CASA Approvals
CFI: Chief Pilot: Chief Instructor
Low Level Aerobatics
Military
RAAF HS 748 Captain
RAAF QFI
RAAF Examiner of Airmen
RAAF Low Level Formation Aerobatics
RAAF Low Level Aerobatics
USAF Instructor Pilot
USAF Examiner of Airmen
Flying Experience
Total 18,300
SE Jet 2,200
ME Jet 900
ME Turbo Prop 2,100
ME Light Twin 8,100
Total ME Time 11,100
