About Southpac Aerospace

Why We Are Here
Certifications, Accreditations & Affiliations
Southpac Aerospace Services
Southpac Quality & Compliance
Southpac Team
A plane takes off with confidence after carrying out an aviation audit and safety assurance with Southpac Aerospace

Why we are here

To be successful, aviation organisations need to know their stuff. They must have effective systems and processes in place. People need to know their organisational processes and systems, but, more importantly, they need to be involved. People who are empowered to do the right thing can contribute to significant improvements in the way an organisation works.

Successful organisations are those who achieve the right balance of effective leadership, workforce involvement, engagement and system reliability. Over-reliance on any one element will leave an organisation weakened, and potentially vulnerable.

In an industry and in an age where complexity and dynamic change is increasing, and customers demand more than ever before, aviation organisations need to maximise the benefit they derive from their systems, and the tools and methods they use to implement and improve them.

Southpac Aerospace has been established to assist aviation organisations and leaders to get the very best; from their people and from their systems. This involves challenging existing norms and, at times, being willing to do things differently. In order to continually improve and achieve true innovation as an organisation, people need to be seen as the solution to organisational problems, not the cause. Employees need to be given the opportunity to prove their value and abilities; only when people, clients and other stakeholders are seen as true collaborators and partners will an organisation achieve lasting success.

Southpac Aerospace is committed to equipping organisations with the knowledge, skills and tools to be able to create a culture that fosters and develops these approaches. We believe that quality, safety, risk and reliability go hand in hand with effective leadership, strong organisational culture and a happy and empowered workforce.

We believe this passionately and will strive to help your organisation feel the same way. Most significantly however, we strive to educate, to lead and to inspire.

Our Mission

Our team is passionate and committed to making a difference for our clients and to making a meaningful contribution to aviation safety, both domestically and globally. We focus on the importance of effective leadership, involving people and promoting a strong healthy culture. This dedication and focus underpins our collective values, and guides and drives us in every aspect of our business.

Certifications, Accreditations & Affiliations

Southpac has well established management systems and hold ISO9001:2015 Certification.

We have well established management systems and hold ISO 9001:2015 Certification.

Southpac is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (Registration 32353) and offer Nationally Recognised Training including several Diplomas.

We are an Australian Registered Training Organisation (Registration 32353) and offer Nationally Recognised Training including several Diplomas.

Southpac Aerospaces management systems and lead auditor courses are certified by Exemplar Global.

Our management systems and lead auditor courses are certified by Exemplar Global and allow for professionals to gain recognition as Exemplar Global registered auditors.

Southpac Aerospace is a member of the International Airborne Geophysics Safety Association (IAGSA)

As a member of the International Airborne Geophysics Safety Association (IAGSA), Southpac promotes the safe operation of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft on airborne geophysical surveys.

RAAA - Regional Aviation Association of Australia

Southpac is a proud member of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA), advancing the interests of regional aviation with government, industry and the Australian community.

Australian Airports Association logo

Southpac is a Corporate Member of the Australian Airports Association, helping contribute to a progressive and sustainable airport industry.

Southpac Aerospace Services

Training

Southpac’s aviation-specific training courses have been developed to appeal to personnel from all levels within an organisation and aim to equip them to manage and support their organisation’s quality and safety programs. Training programs include:

We are specialists in Aviation Quality, Aviation SMS & Aviation Management Training. We can customise a training program to suit your specific operational needs and to suit the audience.

Audit and Assurance

We can provide the following aviation auditing services for fixed & rotary wing operators and all supporting maintenance and service providers:

  • Carryout third-party audits of your organisation or of the operators that you utilise
  • Provide an independent and objective assessment of the effectiveness of your Quality/OH&S/Environmental or Safety Management Systems
  • Audit your suppliers and subcontractors based upon your criteria
  • Regulatory compliance audits
  • Contract reviews
  • Service Provider safety and compliance audits
  • Audits and assessments for airborne geophysical surveys

Consulting & Advisory

Southpac Aerospace is a leading provider of aviation consulting and advisory services to both aviation companies and to the organisations that rely on reputable, safe aviation operators. Our experienced team provide a comprehensive range of services to support the management of aviation operations. Our core consulting and advisory services include:

  • Management Systems development
  • Manuals and expositions development
  • Aviation Advisors
  • Safety Innovation

Southpac Quality and Compliance

Aviation Safety experts Southpac offer a large variety of aviation training courses that help students achieve Diploma qualifications.

Quality Policy

Southpac Aerospace was established to assist all elements of the aviation industry to understand, implement and continually improve their quality and safety management systems. Our services include training, mentoring, auditing and management systems certification. Southpac aims to provide world-class services that are responsive to customer and industry needs.

To help facilitate this aim Southpac has implemented an integrated management system that is compliant with ISO9001, ISO17021, the VET Quality Framework and the Exemplar Global TPECS-requirements. Compliance with these standards is monitored on a continual basis.

To achieve continual improvement of our processes and services, Southpac management has set objectives that will be monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

We aim to ensure that all our personnel are competent and continually trained to assist with the latest developments and initiatives taking place within the aviation industry. We encourage and support the professional development of our staff and believe that, as a team, we are far more effective. All personnel are expected to play their part and contribute to the positive culture of the company, expressing their ideas, sharing their experiences and collaborating to continually improve the way we work.

Andy Shone
Chief Executive Officer

Andy Shone, Southpac Aerospace Chief Executive Officer, states Southpac's Quality and Compliance policy.

Southpac Aerospace Leadership Team

Andy ShoneChief Executive Officer
Andy has been leading Southpac in the capacity of CEO since 2014 and had previously held the role of General Manager for four years. In this time Southpac has grown to become the region’s leading provider of aviation safety services…
Richard BucknellSouthpac Aerospace Founder
With over 30 years experience working with Quality Management Systems, Richard has the experience, knowledge and passion to work with almost any organisation…
Robert RussellDirector of Training & Development
Rob has a wealth of experience in Safety Management and Training within commercial aviation. With more than 20 years in the industry as an active crew member, an airline Training Manager and a Human Factors specialist…
Gareth CoeDirector of Aviation Consulting & Advisory
Gareth is a highly experienced senior aviation consultant and manager, with more than 12 years’ experience at major airports in the UK, including as Airside Operations and Safety Manager at Bristol International Airport…
Kadie BrownDirector of Marketing & Communications
Kadie has over 10 years’ experience in senior marketing and communication roles, having worked in a number of industries and sectors including tourism, events, government policy and media.

Course Facilitators

David MunnsFacilitator & Lead Auditor
David is a licenced commercial pilot and helicopter pilot with over 30 years experience in all aspects of the aviation industry from GA to commercial and the Navy. David also has worked as a trainer in the mining industry, teaching and operating some of the largest dump trucks…
Wayne MartinSafety & Human Factors Facilitator
Wayne is a highly experienced aviation professional and world-renowned expert in Human Factors. Having flown as a pilot for 42 years, for the last 16 years he has mostly been flying Boeing 777s, as well as teaching in the university sector…
Graham HamiltonSafety Facilitator
Graham is a passionate and highly experienced aviation safety professional with more than 20 years
in the aviation industry, including General Aviation Operations (Fixed & Rotary Wing), Part-145 Maintenance Repair Organisations, Safety & Quality Auditing and Airline Safety Operations…
Annette JamesARO Course Facilitator
Annette is experienced in all kinds of aerodrome operations, from those which support remote communities to mining operations and international airports as well as airborne survey, airport management and aerodrome technical inspection and training…
Becky PictonHuman Factors and HOP Facilitator
Becky has joined the Southpac team from the UK, where she was a Senior Human Factors Specialist for the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services. She has led and delivered an extensive range of training programs centered around safety and human performance…
Doug MaddocksConsulting Facilitator
Currently working with the Australian Defence Force, Doug facilitates courses for Southpac including the Safety & Lead Auditor (LA5) Course and the Managing Aviation Compliance (MAC) Course…
Tarryn RyanSafety & Human Factors Facilitator
Tarryn has an extensive career in aviation spanning over 20 years, initially as a helicopter pilot in the South African Air Force and later as a Captain in the Australian Army. As a highly skilled aviator, Tarryn’s career has taken her across multiple continents and industries…
Nathan BurkittSafety & Quality Training Facilitator
Nathan has had a varied and extensive career in aviation including more than 20 years in training and checking, and 16 years as a senior manager for various legacy airlines, low-cost carriers, charter and jet operations…
Derek LongCourse Facilitator &
Aviation Safety Specialist
Having spent the last 5 yrs involved in Aviation Safety, Airworthiness and Organisational Continuous Improvement, Derek found his greatest passion was with Aviation training. Driven by organisational continuous…

Admin & Management Team

Annemette KilpatrickAdministration Manager & Course Coordinator
Annemette has worked for Southpac since 2007 in the role of Administration Manager. As well as being the main contact for all clients, Annemette manages the coordination of all Southpac courses…
Dorothy BurmasAccounts Manager
Dorothy has worked with Southpac since 2000, looking after finances, payroll and management accounting. Having been with the company through its growth from just 2 employees to what it is today, Dorothy holds an exceptional knowledge of the Southpac business..
Tania ElgarTraining & Compliance Manager
Tania is an experienced and qualified facilitator and assessor, having worked as Training Manager for the Gold Coast’s Light Rail network and management roles across various sectors including aviation, construction, quarry and asphalt…
Tessa StewartLearning & Development Specialist
Tessa has worked in the aviation industry for 10 years in customer service, operational and training roles and during that time developed a passion for learning and development. Prior to joining Southpac, she was a Learning Designer for a major Australian airline…
Jodie KilpatrickAdministrative Assistant
Jodie has 25 years’ experience in customer service, management and administration, coming from a background in the retail and automotive industries, with skills ranging from managing customer relationships to business development and leadership…
Tere ButterworthAdministrative Assistant
Tere has an extensive background in customer service, administration, sales, bookkeeping and accounting across several industries including banking and financial services, and retail…

Consulting, Advisory & Auditing Team

Jim TerminiPrincipal Advisor Aviation Security
Jim is a highly experienced Aviation Security specialist with practical knowledge of the implementation of systems, procedures and best practice within all areas of AvSec, with more than 20 years’ experience in commercial aviation.
Steve WaltersPrincipal Consultant & Aviation Advisor
Steve is an experienced Aviation Advisor and has had global exposure to all aspects of aviation operations, including Oil & Gas exploration and production. He has over 15 years’ experience in Senior Management and Director Safety positions…
Amy MitchellCertifications Manager & Lead Auditor
Amy is a highly experienced Lead Auditor with a passion for promoting individual, professional and business growth. She takes a holistic approach and explores the leadership, management systems, people and practices in place to guide businesses towards overall business improvement…
Kiri TarehaCertification Coordinator
Kiri has held a number of roles within the Southpac Group and has extensive knowledge of Southpac’s processes, values and clients. She has more than 20 years of experience working for Business Management colleges and High-Risk Licensing organisations….
Amanda ShoneSystems Consultant
Amanda is a qualified and passionate business systems consultant with experience working with a range of organisations, from Government Departments to international boutique agencies. With a degree in business, several further qualifications in auditing, management…
Bernadette SurvesonQuality & Safety Consultant
Bernadette has extensive Quality Assurance experience in the Aviation Engineering industry. Enjoying obtaining ISO standards for companies while promoting safety assurance, Bernadette is proficient in conducting Internal and External Audits Implement/Manage/Audit Quality and Safety…
Ben HilditchManagement Systems Auditor
Ben has worked as a HSEQ professional for over 10 years across several industries and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure clients’ needs are met as part of the audit, assurance and certification process. He has worked in the Defence, Aviation and Oil and Gas arenas…
Trevor BockTrainer & Lead Auditor
Trevor has over 25 years’ experience in commercial aviation and specialises in all aspects of aviation quality and safety management. His career has taken him through many roles within the industry including; Pilot, Instructor, Quality & Safety Lead Auditor, Fleet Manager…
Phil RobertsonLead Auditor & Consultant
Phil is an experienced aviation safety auditor, and has conducted many audits, including evaluation of compliance and/or conformity with the international standards and recommended practices, industry-standard audit programs…

Reach out to our team

At Southpac Aerospace we believe that only when people, clients and other stakeholders are seen as true collaborators and partners will an organisation achieve lasting success.

To Educate, To Lead, To Inspire…