Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Aviation Qualifications
Attributes
Timeline
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James Longo

Richmond,VIC

Summary

Safety-focused and results-driven commercial pilot with a versatile background across aviation, operations, and business leadership. Experienced in operating high-performance, multi-engine aircraft in regulated, multi-crew environments with a strong commitment to compliance, situational awareness, and crew coordination. Gained significant experience as First Officer at Sharp Airlines, operating the Fairchild Metroliner on RPT and charter services across regional Australia. Brings additional expertise in logistics, stakeholder management, and team leadership from previous roles in eCommerce and FMCG. Adaptable, calm under pressure, and committed to delivering safe, efficient, and professional service in dynamic operational settings.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Director

Versa Cocktails
11.2020 - 04.2025
  • Founded and scaled a premium cocktail brand from concept to national retail distribution.
  • Developed and executed brand strategy, product launches, marketing campaigns, and pricing models.
  • Secured strategic partnerships, including sponsorship of the Kooyong Classic.
  • Oversaw financial performance, sales forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.
  • Led product innovation and alignment with market trends.

First Officer

Sharp Airlines
07.2019 - 04.2020
  • Operated Metroliner III and 23 aircraft on RPT and charter routes in a multi-crew environment.
  • Delivered safe and efficient passenger services under CASA regulations.
  • Maintained operational compliance, flight planning, and customer experience.
  • Demonstrated strong Crew Resource Management (CRM) in high-demand operational environments.
  • Conducted accurate performance calculations, fuel planning, and weight & balance checks for each flight.
  • Built operational familiarity with regional airports, IFR procedures, and varied weather conditions across Australia.
  • Regularly liaised with ground crew, dispatch, and maintenance teams to ensure on-time and safe operations.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of CASA regulations and company procedures through recurrent training and IPCs.

E-Commerce Manager / Area Manager

Aquila Shoes
01.2010 - 11.2016
  • Led online growth strategy and implemented improvements to website UX and performance.
  • Drove eCommerce revenue through merchandising, content planning, and digital promotions.
  • Managed 12 Victorian stores including staffing, rostering, and sales performance.
  • Analysed and acted on sales data to optimise performance across channels.

Education

Diploma of Aviation - CPL & Instrument Rating

Moorabbin Flying Services
Moorabbin Airport
01.2019

Certificate IV - Business Marketing

Swinburne University
01.2007

Victorian Certificate of Education - VCE

Ivanhoe Grammar School
01.2004

Skills

  • Passenger and cargo handling
  • Ground operations coordination
  • Multi-Engine & IFR Operations
  • Aircraft Systems Knowledge (eg turbine, pressurised, retractable gear)
  • Flight Planning & Navigation
  • Airspace & Weather Interpretation
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Emergency Procedures & CRM
  • CASA Regulatory Compliance
  • Aircraft Performance & Limitations
  • Load & Balance / Weight & Balance
  • Operations management

Aviation Qualifications

Aviation Licenses

  • Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL)
  • Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (IAP 2D, 2D Azimuth, 3D)
  • Multi-Crew Cooperation Course
  • Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate
  • Current ASIC


Relevant Flight Time

  • 530.5 hrs Total Aeronautical Experience
  • 121.2 hrs Total Command (inc. ICUS)
  • 388 hrs Total Multi-engine
  • 332.7 hrs Total Multi-engine turbine in MCC environment
  • 55.3 hrs Total Instrument Flight
  • 6.2 hrs Total NIght


Ratings/Design Features

  • Fairchild Metroliner (SA227) Type Rating
  • Gas Turbine Engine
  • Pressurisation
  • Retractable Undercarriage
  • Manual Propeller Pitch Control

Attributes

  • Strong communicator
  • Commercial thinker
  • Creative problem-solver
  • Collaborative team player
  • Results-driven

Timeline

Director

Versa Cocktails
11.2020 - 04.2025

First Officer

Sharp Airlines
07.2019 - 04.2020

E-Commerce Manager / Area Manager

Aquila Shoes
01.2010 - 11.2016

Certificate IV - Business Marketing

Swinburne University

Victorian Certificate of Education - VCE

Ivanhoe Grammar School

Diploma of Aviation - CPL & Instrument Rating

Moorabbin Flying Services
James Longo