David Pilkington

David Pilkington started learning to fly in 1966 and commenced flying aerobatics a few years later in an Airtourer 100. He moved on to the Pitts and the Laser (which he built in partnership with two others). David was twice Australian Advanced Aerobatic Champion and competed in Unlimited Category for a number of years. He was leader of the Aerobatic Club's formation aerobatic team for a few years.

From January, 2000 until 2003, he was Chairman of the Technical Safety Committee for the International Aerobatic Club. From April 2005 until September 2008, he was President of the Australian Aerobatic Club, Victorian Chapter.

David is an independent flight instructor based in Melbourne, Australia. He specialises in tailwheel, spinning and aerobatics including low level aerobatic training.

David has a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering from RMIT and a Master of Science Degree from Cranfield University in the UK. His early career was in aircraft aerodynamic design, flight & wind tunnel testing, flight performance, handling qualities and flight loads including work with the NASA Spin Research Center.

He was Vice President, Engineering and Test Pilot at Aviat Aircraft, Inc (USA) in the mid-nineties. David returned to Australia as Chief Engineer-Air Vehicles at ASTA Components (Boeing Australia) then Engineering Manager/Chief Engineer at BAE Systems in Melbourne before joining GKN Aerospace Engineering Services in 2001. He retired from full-time engineering at the end of 2008 but continues consulting in aeronautical engineering.

David held a company and private CASA design authority and was USA FAA Designated Engineering Representative for FAR 23 structures.