CEO

Jeremy Ford is the CEO of IAANZ, the Canterbury Aero Club and is an A-Cat Flight Instructor and GA Flight Examiner. He has an automotive background and General Manager experience for a hospitality group. He began his Commercial Pilot training at IAANZ in 2009 before starting with the organisation in 2011. He has held various roles across the business and has a passion for leadership and implementing strategy.

Outside of work he spends time with his family, enjoys travelling, the great outdoors; especially jet boating, fishing and of course flying!

Head of Training

Ross Sparks is the Head of Training at IAANZ. Having spent over 50 years full time flying in Aviation, he has held numerous roles including Chief Pilot and Training Captain, flying A320’s and Boeing 777’s all over the world and clocking up over 28,000 hours at the controls.

Ross with his rich experience oversees training and standards at IAANZ and is motivated to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and graduate as ‘leaders’ with a pilots licence.

While not sharing his aviation knowledge with students Ross is busy enjoying the outdoors – hiking, biking and water sports.

Chief Flying Instructor

Jason Hobday is the Chief Flying Instructor at IAANZ. An A-Cat Flight Instructor and CAA NZ Flight Examiner with over 11 years instructing experience, Jason liaises with Training Managers and Flight Instructors to ensure compliance and smooth day to day operations.

As a part of the Senior Management team, Jason contributes to the execution of the overall strategic goals of the organisation.

He doesn’t have any super powers as of yet but an unhealthy obsession with Mini Coopers.

Head of Business Development

Prince Joel is the Head of Business Development at IAANZ. With over 17 years of experience in International business development spanning Financial Services, Education and Aviation, Prince is passionate about contributing to IAANZs success and helping young men and women fulfil their dream of flight.

As part of the Senior Management team Prince leads business expansion globally, oversees International stakeholder relationships, foreign regulatory approvals, market development, digital transformation, student recruitment and contributes to the execution of the overall strategic goals of the organisation.

Prince holds a Post Graduate Program in Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, a Commercial Pilot License and a C Category flight Instructor Rating.

Outside of work and when he’s not overseas on business, Prince enjoys time with his family and friends, watching movies and riding his motorbike. 

Academic Manager

Nicky Hodges is the Academic Manager at IAANZ. She has 20 years' experience in education both in teaching and management.   

As part of the Senior Management team, Nicky provides guidance and management to the programmes  of  study offered at IAANZ,  supports  instructor teaching capability, student recruitment and has recently led the development of e-Aviator (IAANZ e-learning product). She  began her  working career in travel and along the way moved into education completing a Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Applied Management. 

Outside of work she spends time with family, enjoys travelling, water sports  and the outdoors  

Safety Systems Manager

Stephanie Schwabe the Safety Systems Manager at IAANZ. With over 30 years in the industry, Stephanie is passionate about aviation.

As part of the Senior Management team, Stephanie oversees the Safety Management System, chairs the Health and Safety Committee, and ensures continued compliance with various stakeholders of the organisation.

Outside of aviation, Stephanie enjoys walking, sports and games, music, and travel.

Maintenance Controller

Mike van Dongen is the Maintenance Controller and Chief Engineer of the Canterbury Aero Club.

Mike is a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with over 24 years in the Aviation industry in various roles. Mike has worked in both New Zealand and Australia with experience on many types of aircraft from Piper Tomahawks to Beechcraft 1900’s and Air Tractors. Mike also holds a Commercial Pilot License and C Category Instructor Rating.

Mike is responsible for the Airworthiness Control and Management of the Canterbury Aero Club / IAANZ fleet.

Outside of work Mike enjoys spending time with his family, Swimming, Mountain and Road Biking and the occasional Ironman Triathlon.