Benjamin Johnson
Operations Executive | Chief Pilot | Fighter Pilot | Global Leader
Summary
With nearly 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, the portfolio showcases extensive leadership and management skills in operations. Currently responsible for overseeing the operational delivery of a well-established training, delivery, and consulting company. Previously served as Chief Pilot for the Qatar Emiri Air Force Air Academy, utilizing these skills on a global scale. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable expertise in leadership, collaboration, operations, personnel management, aviation safety, defense consulting, and training within large-scale and complex operations. Background as a Fighter Weapons Instructor (equivalent to Australian Top Gun) instrumental in successfully executing highly dynamic projects in resource-limited scenarios. Hold a Master's Degree in Aviation Management and pursuing a Master's of Business Administration (International Relations and Diplomacy), along with a Diploma in Project Management and a CASA Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL). Commitment to international services evident through role as a United Nations Volunteer and Coach, supporting high-performance UN teams as a Certified Coach, Trainer, and Assessor. Expertise in business setup, global consulting in management, training, and defense. Passionate about utilizing data-driven solutions and connecting people for success.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Operations
Milskil
02.2024 - Current
- Head of Operations in multi-domain service delivery to Defence and related industries across Australia, reporting directly to the Managing Director to help lead the charge in shaping the future of cutting edge capabilities through:
- Leadership in High-Performance Team Management: Steering diverse teams to excel in delivering top-tier training and support across critical defence programs, including aircrew instruction and operational support for the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, F/A-18F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler.
- Strategic Program Oversight: Managing a suite of capability programs encompassing aircrew training instruction, training materials and support management, maintenance instructor training, and operational support for the Air Warfare Centre, within both live and virtual environments.
- Commitment to Excellence: Ensuring compliance, quality, effectiveness, and delivery of all programs in accordance with the highest standards, underpinned by our core business values: Qualified, Experienced, and Respected.
- Vision for Growth: Actively seeking and implementing opportunities for expansion in diverse areas, driving innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge in defence service delivery.
- Passionate about fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and respect within the defence sector, and I am constantly exploring new horizons to enhance our capabilities and impact.
- Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning initiatives to drive business growth.
- Increased customer satisfaction by actively addressing concerns and ensuring timely resolutions.
Chief Flying Instructor
Défense Conseil International (DCI)
12.2017 - 01.2024
- Chief Flying Instructor, Qatar Emiri Air Force, PC-21, Al Udeid Air Base.
- Operational management of 45 instructors (11 nationalities), 70 students, operating 22 aircraft and 13 simulated devices to achieve approximately 12,000 training events per year.
- 100% yearly schedule delivery to time.
- Oversaw growth of 75% international training.
- Directly responsible to senior QEAF (2/3 Star rank) and DCI leadership to ensure continued delivery for an exceptional standard of basic and advanced military flight training.
- Accountable for the delivery of the mandated flying training courses per year, to the standards outlined - including courses in:
- Basic Flying Training (Ab initio) to;
- Advanced Flying Training (phase 4 equivalent).
- Responsible for personnel management of all DCI staff in the workplace.
- Responsible for aviation safety requirements as outlined by DCI and QEAF.
- Key relationship role through engagement, enhancement, and developmental interactions with all levels of the project – From various contract elements to Embassy level collaboration.
Aviation and Leadership Expert
Various
03.2000 - 01.2017
- 2015: Lockheed Martin Advanced Flying Instructor, Doha, Qatar.
- 2012: Advanced Flying Instructor, United Arab Emirates Air Force, Dubai, UAE.
- Flying instruction to UAE Air Force across all spectrums of advanced military training.
- 2010: Business Founder, ‘Fighter Pilot Mentor”, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Bespoke coaching, training and mentoring courses for aspiring aircrew.
- 2000: RAAF Fighter Pilot, Officer and Fighter Combat Instructor (TOP GUN equivalent):
- Graduated top of pilots' course, and all courses undergone during flight training.
- Runner up on FCI course.
- Underwent further training and lived with United States Navy, NAS Lemoore, CA, USA.
- Further details of all above on request
Education
MBA - International Relations And Affairs
University of Cumbria
United Kingdom 07.2023 - Current
Management Essentials - Business Management
Harvard
United States 01.2024 - 2020.12
Introduction to Philosophy - Philosophy
Oxford University
Oxford, UK 01.2019 - 2019.12
Diploma in Project Management - Project Management
CIT Canberra
Canberra, ACT 01.2016 - 2017.10
Master of Aviation Management - Aviation Management And Operations
Newcastle University
Newcastle, NSW 01.2006 - 2010.01
High School Diploma -
St. Ignatius' College, Riverview NSW, Australia
Sydney, NSW 01.1989 - 1997.12
Skills
Strategic planning and execution
Operations Management
Safety Management
Business Development
Process Improvements
Team Leadership
Leadership training
Purchasing and planning
Organisational Development
Awards
Lockheed Martin Special Recognition Award (SRA), August 2015, Commitment to Mission Success and Contribution to Corporate Goals
References
On request
Timeline
Head of Operations
Milskil
02.2024 - Current
Management Essentials - Business Management
Harvard
01.2024 - 2020.12
MBA - International Relations And Affairs
University of Cumbria
07.2023 - Current
Introduction to Philosophy - Philosophy
Oxford University
01.2019 - 2019.12
Chief Flying Instructor
Défense Conseil International (DCI)
12.2017 - 01.2024
Diploma in Project Management - Project Management
CIT Canberra
01.2016 - 2017.10
Master of Aviation Management - Aviation Management And Operations
Newcastle University
01.2006 - 2010.01
Aviation and Leadership Expert
Various
03.2000 - 01.2017
High School Diploma -
St. Ignatius' College, Riverview NSW, Australia
01.1989 - 1997.12
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