– Angela Stevenson
Northern Tasmania now has a new flight training academy after Moorabbin-based Tristar Aviation opened a new flying school at Launceston Airport.
The culmination of a year's consideration, months of on-the-ground labour, and despite COVID-related supply-chain issues, Tristar instructors cut the tape on the facility at a small ceremony on 11 February.
Among the guests at the event was Launceston Airport CEO Shane O'Hare who spoke of the airport's support for Tristar in establishing the new base, and Cameron Rogers of Launceston Church Grammar. AirBP sponsored the event with catering.
"Launceston presents Tristar an opportunity to expand our aviation schools programme for the next generation in Tasmania," said Chief Flying Instructor Adrianne Fleming during the opening speech.
Between lockdowns in Melbourne in 2021, Fleming and her husband Tristar CEO Geoff Fleming decided to make a "quick trip" to Launceston to meet with key interested stakeholders, and ended up staying for months. During this time they found a suitable office, renovated, bought an aircraft and put on staff. Also underway is the construction of a simulator.
Working with Launceston Church Grammar and Scotch Oakburn College, Tristar will be offering the Aviation VET in schools program. Tristar's full range of training currently available at the Moorabbin base including RPL, CPL, instrument and instructor ratings, and endorsements, will also be offered from the Launceston base.