John Milligan
John Milligan cut his teeth in aviation 2 weeks after finishing his high school years, in which he completed year 11&12 and a basic certificate in engineering.
He started as a Trade Assistant for Gippsland Aeronautics, at Latrobe Valley 1997, in the research, development and production of the GA8 Airvan. A plane known worldwide for its amazing performance and low operating cost.
Whilst at Latrobe Valley John also spent some nights assisting with the maintenance of Helimed 1 the local rescue helicopter a Bell 412.
1999 -Seeking to extend his knowledge base in aviation, he then moved to thriving metropolis of Melbourne. Working there for a company based in Moorabbin, The Aviation Centre. Working on piston powered aircraft such as Piper Cherokees, Arrows, and Chieftains. Cessna 152,172,182,206, 210, 310 and 340,s, Beech Bonanzas, Travel Airs Barons, lancair’s and Turbine powered aircraft such as the Embraer Bandeirante and the Piper Cheyenne. Also spending time in the Engine Shop and Fuel system overhaul workshop he has a fantastic knowledge of how these systems work
Completing his certificate 4 in aerospace engineering (mechanical) and becoming a L.A.M.E. on engines, airframe, composite structures and GA pilot at 21 years of age.
Being a country boy, and getting well sick of breathing city smoke and spending most of his life sitting at red traffic lights, it time to see Australia he thought. So he packed up the troop carrier and now with his wife in tow traveled into the sunset.
On the road, he short term contracted between 2003-2004.
Approved Aircraft Maintenance Toowoomba- Working on Cessna 421’s and other GA aircraft.
Marker Aviation- Mount Isa working on the police airwing Pilatus PC-12. The Royal Flying Doctors PC-12 and Beech King air, and other GA aircraft such as the Piper Chieftain and Beech Baron.
Sure Flight Aviation. Davenport working on again GA the Cessna 421, 206 and Maule float plane.
Then heading up to Caboolture 2004 to a house they had bought John started working for Flinders Aviation Redcliffe. Working there once again on GA aircraft carryout general maintenance and major refurbishments and repainting tasks. Here he learned all about that friendly thing they call “corrosion”. Discovering the effect it can have on aircraft if left untreated or treated incorrectly. He had to carryout major structural repairs on both wings and fuselage of many GA aircraft and was amazed at just where the cancer (corrosion) set in. You don’t get to see this stuff in general maintenance he said.
Once again getting sick of the city smoke and spending quality time relaxing in front of the dreaded read light. He took a drive up to Gympie to Talk to Tony Kerr to see what happened at Gympie Aircraft Maintenance. Great place he thought. Great environment, Great People to work with and no red lights on the way to work.
Since settling in, in 2005 he has used his skills as a L.A.M.E. with over 21 years in the Aviation industry to build a great relationship with our customers and has transitioned to running the workshop for the last 10 years
