HISTORY

North West Aviation established by Paul & Pam Mitrega, commenced business at Inverell Airport, Gilgai in May 1986. Paul is the managing director/chief engineer of North West Aviation Pty Ltd and the following is a summary of his career.

After leaving school Paul gained employment at Hazelton Air Services at Cudal NSW in January, 1973. Paul gained his Private Pilots Licence in 1974 and his Commercial Licence in 1979. Paul also continued studying for his aircraft maintenance engineers licence, gaining his licence in 1980. While at Hazelton's Paul also had DCA approval to operate from agricultural airstrips allowing him to fly into these airstrips and carry out field repairs when necessary for the large fleet of agricultural aircraft operated by Hazelton's at that time.

In 1981 Paul went to work for Helicopter Aviation Services in the Gulf region of northern Queensland. Here he carried out maintenance on three Bell 47 helicopters and a Cessna 180. Paul used the Cessna 180 to travel between the helicopters that worked over a large area.

After a season in the Gulf Paul moved on to Aerotechnics in Canberra where he held the position of workshop foreman. Aerotechnics maintained a large range of aircraft from small singles to twin engine turbine powered IFR aircraft. While at Aerotechnics Paul was sent to the US where he carried out containerisation of aircraft for import to Australia. Flying duties which included ferrying, flight testing after maintenance and flying to locations to carry out maintenance were also part of Paul's job.

In 1986 Paul decided to start his own business and thus North West Aviation commenced. Initially North West Aviation started maintaining the fleet of DHC-2 Beavers operated by Aerial Agriculture. Business increased to include other private and charter aircraft. The purchase of a Cessna 180 in 1987, allowed aircraft to be repaired quickly if and when problems occurred in the field.

North West Aviation hanger prior to commencing operations May 1986

Today the company maintains a large fleet of aircraft both private and commercial from a wide area of northern NSW. Over the years Paul has continued to increase his licence coverage and now has a great number of endorsements in the Airframe Engine Instrument Electrical and Radio Categories.

Pam Mitrega handles all the administration work at North West Aviation Pty Ltd. Pam has a Bachelor of Education, and taught secondary mathematics till 1986 when Paul and her commenced business in Inverell. The staff at North West Aviation have been very stable since the company was established.

Apart from Paul & Pam Mitrega there are three other employees. Glen Dick was a qualified automotive mechanic before being employed by North West Aviation Pty Ltd 14 years ago. Glen is a very skilled tradesman and is presently studying for his aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licence.

Mark Harmon joined the company in November 1989 after leaving school. Mark was selected as the leading apprentice in the Upper Hunter region by the Hunter Apprentiship Training & Promotional Advisory Committee in 1994. On this occasion North West Aviation was also awarded the Upper Hunter region Trainer of the Year in the field of aircraft maintenance. Mark has an aircraft maintenance engineers licence in the airframe and engine categories and is presently studying for his avionics licence.

Jason Dowell has been with the company for over 5 years and is an able member of the team. Jason specialises in sheet metal work.

From its beginnings in 1986 North West Aviation Pty Ltd has grown in both staff and services it provides. It can now equally cater for the needs of the individual aircraft owner or companies operating charter, agricultural or flying school aircraft.