LEAP Series: Sue-anne Munckton
Sue-anne Munckton is a true representation of LEAP; Lived Experience and Professionalism. Being the visionary founder of Civil Aviation Academy Australasia, she shared with us her career journey in aviation education.
What sparked your interest in aviation at the very beginning, and how did it lead you to where you are today?
Sue-anne: I think it was in my DNA from the start! My dad was an airline pilot, so aviation was always around me. But the real spark came when I was in Year 12, waiting for my university placement. A friend of my dad’s, who was an instructor, happened to be at a school career event and invited me to go flying. That flight completely changed everything for me. I landed, made the decision to defer my university placement, and, as it turns out, I never went back.
Originally, I thought I’d get my licence once I’d found a “real job,” but that one experience completely change my path. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to make aviation my career. I went on to become a Chief Flying Instructor in 1990s, just like my dad’s friend, and ended up working alongside him for years at Jandakot, though at different schools. That initial spark became a lifelong passion, and I’m so grateful for it every single day.
What was the most unexpected challenge you faced early in your career, and how did you handle it and what was the learn from the experience?
Sue-anne: An unexpected challenge early in my career was encountering blatant sexism in aviation—a real surprise after growing up in a family where my sister and I were encouraged to believe we could do anything. Starting flying in the late 1980s, and being one of only a few women at Jandakot, I was a bit taken aback to see how open some people were about their biases.
But I also quickly found there were plenty of people were focused on flying and friendship above all else. I made a lot of friends, some of whom I’m still close with today. Their support and shared passion made it easy to keep pushing forward.
The experience taught me a lot about choosing your circle and staying connected to people who genuinely have your back. Looking back, I think it helped me keep perspective and focus on what really mattered—and to find ways to offer that same kind of support to others when I had the chance.
Were there any pivotal moments or “aha” experiences that shaped your approach to working in aviation?
Sue-anne: One of my early "aha" moments happened with a student who was really struggling with a maneuver. She didn’t have the luxury of flying often, which only made things harder. Tension was building on both sides, and I could see she was getting frustrated. I decided to pause, take a step back, and told her, "Don't worry—it’s just like riding a bike." To my surprise, she looked at me and said, "I can't ride a bike!"
That response caught us both off guard, and we just laughed. In that light moment, I realized it was okay not to take everything so seriously and to be flexible with the approach. After that, she relaxed, and we ended up having one of our best lessons ever. She eventually went on to earn her license, which made the whole experience even more meaningful for me.
This simple, funny moment taught me the value of meeting people where they are and adapting to their needs. Since then, I’ve approached teaching and leadership with that same openness and flexibility, recognizing that the key to progress is sometimes just a matter of creating a supportive, pressure-free environment.
Who has been the most significant mentor or influence in your career, and how did they impact your journey?
Sue-anne: If I go back to the very start of my aviation journey, two mentors stand out.
The first was Trudi, an inspiring woman and skilled pilot. Trudi had a way of being completely herself in every situation. She was bold, and honest. Her guidance showed me the importance of staying true to myself, even in an industry that can be traditional and sometimes reluctant to change. Her support and unfiltered honesty helped me find my own voice early on, a confidence that was critical as I started my career.
Then there was John, a true gentleman of the skies, who was both my instructor and examiner. John set high standards for me, pushing me to constantly improve while also being a calm and steady source of encouragement. One of my favorite memories is from the early days, practicing circuits in a Seneca at Cunderdin. After landing, we’d sit in the shade and talk—about flying, life, and everything in between. Those chats weren’t just about skills in the air; they were about perspective, resilience, and looking at the bigger picture. He always expected more from me than I thought I had, a good early lesson.
Could you share a story about a project or milestone that you’re particularly proud of? What made it memorable for you?
Sue-anne: One of the projects I'm particularly proud of is the development of Sky Careers over the past eight months. Working with a team that shares my passion for aviation and youth development has been nothing short of inspiring. Every day, we get to promote, encourage, and spark interest in aviation among young people who may not have considered it otherwise.
There's something incredibly rewarding about talking to these young people, hearing the excitement in their voices, and knowing that just by sharing our experiences and offering guidance, we might be planting the first seeds of a future career. The impact feels tangible—and meaningful. It’s busy work, but it’s the kind of work that I absolutely love.
Do you have any memorable experiences working with a team that really brought out the best in you?
Sue-anne: Outside of work, I've been part of other amazing teams, like the local bushfire brigade I grew up with and, more recently, as a tee-ball coach. In every one of these roles, I’ve been surrounded by volunteers who pour their time and energy into making a difference in the community. Working alongside such dedicated people, giving their all every day, has always brought out my best. These experiences have not only strengthened my own commitment but have shown me how much we can accomplish together.
What are some of the most important values you think an aviation professional should have, and how have these values guided you in your career?
Sue-anne: For me, the values I hold in aviation go beyond technical skills. They shape how I approach challenges, interact with others, and navigate this industry. There are many but perhaps the two key values are curiosity and empathy.
Curiosity is one of the most important values in aviation. The industry is always evolving, and staying curious ensures we keep learning and improving. It's not just about mastering what’s in front of us but seeking out new knowledge and solutions.
Empathy is a value that’s often overlooked but essential in aviation. This industry is people-centric, and building trust with colleagues, trainees, and clients is key. Empathy has helped me foster strong working relationships and create a collaborative environment, where everyone feels heard and supported.
Looking back, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the aviation industry? Any words of wisdom you wish someone had shared with you?
Sue-anne: Looking back, the best advice I could offer someone starting out in aviation is to always stay curious, never stop learning, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Aviation is a constantly evolving field, so the more adaptable you are, the further you'll go. It’s a tough industry, there are long hours, tough decisions, and unexpected hurdles, but the rewards are worth it. The people you meet, the experiences you gain, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving your goals make every tough day meaningful.
Another piece of wisdom I’d offer is to find your own path. It's easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, but remember, everyone’s journey in aviation is unique. There will be bumps and detours, but it’s those experiences that shape you, teach you resilience, and make your story worth telling.
And finally, don’t take yourself too seriously. Aviation can be demanding, but it’s the moments of laughter, the quirky experiences, and the times when you’re just "winging it" (ha ha) that make it all memorable.