David Saunders
Auckland
Summary
With over 21,000 incident-free flying hours and a robust background in aviation, including roles from Lead Pilot for a Corporate Falcon 7X to Airline Captain at Cathay Pacific Airways, I bring a blend of technical proficiency and leadership.
Skilled aviation professional with extensive experience in piloting and flight operations. Known for strong leadership and collaborative approach, ensuring safety and efficiency in all missions. Adept at navigating complex scenarios and adapting to changing needs, consistently delivering reliable results. Proficient in advanced navigation systems, emergency protocols, and team coordination.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Pilot Falcon 7X
Spencer Equities Ltd
01.2022 - Current
- Led flight operations to ensure safety and efficiency of all missions.
- Maintained an impeccable safety record, emphasizing adherence to strict aviation regulations and procedures.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential flight hazards.
- Contributed to the development of company-wide best practices for flight operations, sharing valuable insights from personal experience as a lead pilot.
- Collaborated with maintenance personnel to address aircraft issues promptly, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.
Airline Captain
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
11.1994 - 05.2021
- Airline Pilot on International routes for one of the world's leading Airlines, 16 Years as Captain.
- Based in Hong Kong from November 1994 to October 2010 and Australia from October 2010 till May 2021.
- Nov 1994 - Joined Airline as Second Officer on Airbus A340 and A330.
- April 1997- Promoted to First Officer on B747-400.
- August 2004 - Promoted to Captain on Airbus A330, A340-300 and A340-600
- August 2006 - Promoted to Senior Captain
- December 2017 - Qualified as Senior Captain Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000
- Responsible for overall planning, safety and operation of wide body jet aircraft on worldwide routes in all weather conditions.
First Officer
Air Nelson Limited
04.1994 - 08.1994
- First Officer with Air Nelson Ltd operating Metroliner SA227 aircraft on flights throughout New Zealand on Air New Zealand regional network.
- Responsible for assisting the Captain with safe planning and all aircraft operations from takeoff to landing.
Chief Pilot and Maintenance Controller
Northern Commuter Airlines
03.1991 - 04.1994
- Joined Northern Commuter Airlines (Tranzair), part of Ansett NZ regional network, based in Whangarei. Operated PA31-350 Chieftain, 10 seat commuter aircraft, on Auckland - Whangarei route.
- Started as line Captain before taking over responsibility for oversight and organization of Aircraft maintenance as maintenance controller.
- Appointed Chief Pilot in final year, responsible for overall operation and organization of Airline and crew, as well as compliance with CAA regulations.
Chief Flying Instructor
Sunflower Airlines
10.1990 - 03.1991
- Employed as Chief Flying Instructor for Sunflower Airlines Flying School in Nadi Fiji. Helped develop and put in place cadet flying training programme sponsored by Government for local Fijians to train as Pilots.
Flying Instructor
Auckland Aero Club
10.1988 - 11.1990
- Flying Instructor involved in all aspects of training from ab-initio to Aerobatic, Commercial and Instrument training. Was qualified to send students first solo and progressed to position of Deputy Chief Flying Instructor.
Warehouse Worker
North Island Wholesale Groceries
01.1986 - 10.1988
- Worked at "3 Guys" supermarket central distribution centre to fund my flying training.
Education
Seventh Form Certificate
Selwyn College
Kohimarama, Auckland11.1985
GCSE O Levels And NZ University Entrance
Hebron School
India11.1984
Skills
- Experience Over 21,000 incident free flying hours predominantly in command of wide body jet aircraft but including light aircraft, Business Jets and Turbo prop commuters
- Qualifications - FAA, New Zealand, Australian and Hong Kong ATPL
- Current FAA Class 1 Medical
- Outstanding training record
- Teamwork
- Responsible
- Planning and Coordination
- Adaptability
- Customer Service
- Problem solving
- Risk management
Referees
Captain Brett Morley- Former Flying Training Manager (777) Cathay Pacific Airways
+61499476192 (mobile) email: morley.brett@gmail.com
Dennis Davidson - Former owner of Northern Commuter Airlines.
+6421959900
Timeline
Lead Pilot Falcon 7X
Spencer Equities Ltd
01.2022 - Current
Airline Captain
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
11.1994 - 05.2021
First Officer
Air Nelson Limited
04.1994 - 08.1994
Chief Pilot and Maintenance Controller
Northern Commuter Airlines
03.1991 - 04.1994
Chief Flying Instructor
Sunflower Airlines
10.1990 - 03.1991
Flying Instructor
Auckland Aero Club
10.1988 - 11.1990
Warehouse Worker
North Island Wholesale Groceries
01.1986 - 10.1988
Seventh Form Certificate
Selwyn College
GCSE O Levels And NZ University Entrance
Hebron School
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