The success story of
Tegan Knightbridge
CURRENT POSITION
Pilot-in-Command fir Talofa Airways
COMPLETED COURSES
Private Pilot License (PPL), C-Category Instructor Rating
At Auckland International Pilot Academy (AIPA), we’re committed to cultivating excellence in aviation training by featuring talented, passionate individuals who shape our supportive community. One such success story is Tegan—once a student in our flight school, later a trusted and enthusiastic instructor, and now soaring to new heights in her career. We’re proud to share her journey and celebrate her inspiring commitment to aviation.
“I started flying at North Shore Aero Club in 2018 while studying Geophysics at the University of Auckland and competing internationally in Orienteering. Although I managed to balance my studies and athletic commitments for a time, I soon realized my true passion lay in aviation. After just one semester, I decided to leave university and set my sights on a career in the skies.
It took a couple of years for me to gain my Private Pilot Licence (PPL), and afterward, I craved a change of scenery. I enrolled at Nelson Aviation College, where I completed my Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) amid the uncertainties of COVID-19. Despite my initial hesitation, I discovered that Auckland wasn’t so bad after all and chose to return to North Shore and joined AIPA, where I earned my C-Category Instructor Rating in October 2022.
Becoming a flight instructor at North Shore was an incredible experience—nothing beats the view from the office! I loved being able to pass on my knowledge to new students, watching them grow with every flight. In February, I took the next exciting step in my journey by moving to Samoa to fly for Talofa Airways. I’m excited for all the opportunities ahead and can’t wait to keep pursuing my dreams in aviation!”
Tegan’s dedication, positivity, and expertise reflect the spirit we strive to foster at Auckland International Pilot Academy. We couldn’t be more thrilled to see her flourish and look forward to watching her continued success in the aviation world. We know her story will inspire other aspiring pilots to follow their own flight paths—and perhaps one day, they too will share their journeys with us at Auckland International Pilot Academy.
Tegan Knightbridge's Advice for future students:
“It takes a lot of hard work to reach the result, but nothing beats the view from the office! Work hard and success will come to you”