Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Flying Hours And Aircraft experience
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Keaton Somers

Auckland,AUK

Summary

I have had a passion for the aviation industry from a young age, with a particular focus on both the operational and flying sectors. I completed my Commercial Pilot Licence in Australia and am currently in the process of completing my ATPL examinations and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating.

My ambition is to become an airline pilot with Qantas. However, I also thoroughly enjoy working in the operations department and have found that I excel in this area of the industry. While building my flying experience, I am committed to contributing to the operational side and gaining valuable knowledge that will support my future career in an airline cockpit.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Operations Manager

Air Chathams
Auckland Airport
05.2025 - Current
  • Oversaw Operations Control team, ensuring safe and efficient flight and ground operations.
  • Managed planning and administration of Pilot and Cabin Crew resources for regulatory compliance.
  • Led monitoring of crew duty and flight times, maintaining up-to-date fatigue management program.
  • Ensured compliance of all flight crew with company operating procedures and Security Programme.
  • Monitored crew expiries and recency requirements, including medical checks and recurrent training.
  • Provided assurance to Head of Flight Operations on training compliance with regulations.
  • Analyzed operational crewing constraints, developing optimal crew patterns and aircraft routines.
  • Coached Operations Control team, managing escalations and ensuring adequate training provision.

Operations Controller

Air Chathams
Auckland Airport
04.2024 - Current
  • Ensured safe and efficient daily operations while adhering to regulations.
  • Managed aircraft delays and cancellations to minimize disruptions.
  • Coordinated with flight and cabin crew during crew sickness scenarios.
  • Created flight briefing packages for crews, incorporating weather updates and flight plans.
  • Allocated aircraft gates using the Airport RMS system for optimal efficiency.
  • Communicated with aircraft via air-to-ground VHF for real-time updates.
  • Assigned delay codes promptly in response to operational interruptions.
  • Developed recovery plans addressing aircraft AOG delays, cancellations, and logistical challenges.

Deckhand/Skipper

The Red Boats
Auckland City
08.2021 - Current
  • Enhanced customer experience through proactive engagement and exceptional service.
  • Conducted pre-sailing checks to ensure vessel readiness in all weather conditions.
  • Executed mooring operations, including tying off lines and setting anchor points.
  • Loaded and stowed cargo efficiently while adhering to safety protocols.
  • Completed onboard safety checks to maintain compliance with regulations.
  • Provided training to junior crew members, fostering skill development.
  • Assisted with onboard watchkeeping duties to support navigational safety.
  • Communicated effectively with other vessels via radio to coordinate movements.

Ramp Agent

Menzies Aviation
Auckland Airport
03.2022 - 07.2024
  • Executed manual and mechanical loading and off-loading of baggage and goods.
  • Conducted baggage sorting operations safely and efficiently.
  • Performed area hazard checks and aircraft inspections to ensure compliance.
  • Managed headset communication with flight deck per training guidelines.
  • Executed aircraft turnaround tasks based on business requirements, including presentation duties.
  • Operated equipment and vehicles safely to complete assigned responsibilities.

Skipper

Popeye and Paddle Boats
Adelaide CBD
10.2023 - 02.2024
  • Ensured onboard safety for all passengers and crew. .
  • Operated and navigated vessel on River Torrens.
  • Conducted passenger briefings on safety protocols.
  • Monitored weather conditions to confirm suitability for sailing.
  • Completed pre-start vessel checks for operational readiness.
  • Maintained safe vessel operations throughout journeys.
  • Assisted deck crew as needed to enhance efficiency.

Turnaround Coordinator

Menzies Aviation
Auckland Airport
07.2022 - 04.2023
  • Ensured on-time performance of all flights by managing arrivals and departures effectively.
  • Liaised with Cargo, Ramp, and Passenger Services for seamless flight operations.
  • Communicated with Menzies Operations and airlines to resolve any turn issues.
  • Allocated delay codes accurately as necessary to track operational performance.
  • Connected airbridge to aircraft to facilitate passenger boarding and deplaning.
  • Followed CAA regulations and reported safety issues promptly.
  • Updated flight information in FIDS system for real-time accuracy.
  • Maintained and verified all relevant flight documentation to ensure compliance.

Education

ATPL Theory Examinations -

Advanced Flight Theory

Diploma - Aviation

Flight Training Adelaide
Adelaide
02-2024

High School Diploma -

Te Aho O Te Kura Ponamu
Auckland, NZ
12-2022

Level 4 Certificate - Domestic Maritime Operations (Restricted Limits)

Manukau Institute Of Technology
Auckland, NZ
03-2022

Skills

  • Operational Efficiency
  • Time Management
  • Effective prioritization
  • Proactive Approach
  • Team Player
  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Decision-Making
  • Risk Management
  • Strategic and innovative thinker
  • Self-awareness
  • Results focussed
  • Decisiveness
  • Build teams and leaders

Flying Hours And Aircraft experience

Aircraft Experience: C172, DA40, Be76, HR200-120

Total Flight Time: 344.6                           Multi-Engine: 23.9

Pilot In Command: 145.8                  Instrument Time: 52.6

Night Time: 24.7                               Night PIC: 17.8

Certification

  • New Zealand Full Drivers License
  • NZ/AUS Commerical Pilots License
  • NZ/AUS Skippers Ticket with endorsements for Passengers and Vessels upto 24 metres
  • Current Aviation Class 1 Medical certificate

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Operations Manager

Air Chathams
05.2025 - Current

Operations Controller

Air Chathams
04.2024 - Current

Skipper

Popeye and Paddle Boats
10.2023 - 02.2024

Turnaround Coordinator

Menzies Aviation
07.2022 - 04.2023

Ramp Agent

Menzies Aviation
03.2022 - 07.2024

Deckhand/Skipper

The Red Boats
08.2021 - Current

Diploma - Aviation

Flight Training Adelaide

High School Diploma -

Te Aho O Te Kura Ponamu

Level 4 Certificate - Domestic Maritime Operations (Restricted Limits)

Manukau Institute Of Technology

ATPL Theory Examinations -

Advanced Flight Theory
Keaton Somers