John learned to fly gliders in 1968 and powered aircraft in 1970. He became an instructor in 1976 and acquired the training rights at Sibson Aerodrome in the UK in 1984.

Starting with two leased Cessna 150’s he sold out to a competitor in 2005 by which time his school owned six aircraft, and held approvals for commercial, multi-engine and instrument training. At that time he held a UK Airline Transport Pilot Licence with an unrestricted instructor rating, and examiner privileges for single and multi-engine piston aircraft.

John obtained his New Zealand commercial licence in 2005 and a B cat instructor rating in 2006. He then worked at the Kaitaia Aero club teaching in a Piper Archer, Avid Flyer and Tecnam P96G. After a spell instructing on a Cessna 172 he now works as a self-employed flying instructor as well as with BOIAC.

John runs an aviation company trading as FlyitNZ.com from Kerikeri Aerodrome using his Tecnam P2008, the Bay of Islands Aero Club Tecnam P96G and various private aircraft.

As well as his role as Club President John is Chief Flying Instructor for the Bay of Islands Aero Club and a member of Northland Coastguard Air Patrol.