Our Pilots


Shannon Samarasekera

Chief Pilot (Charter) / Multi Engine Instrument Instructor (Grade 2)

Shannon has been in the aviation industry for over 7 years and is our dedicated Charter Pilot as well as a Flight Instructor holding Multi-Engine and Instrument Training approvals. Shannon has passes in all ATPL theory subjects. During Shannon’s aviation career he has worked as an Instructor, Skydive Pilot and before joining us he gained valuable experience as a Multi-Engine Charter Pilot out west. Shannon previously worked in the Financial Services industry for several years (holding a Bachelor of Business degree) before following his dream of a career in
aviation.

Shannon has experience flying the following aircraft:

Multi-Engine Aircraft:

  • Piper Chieftain/Navajo (PA31)
  • Beechcraft Baron (BE55)
  • Cessna 310 (C310)
  • Piper Seneca (PA34)
  • Partanavia (P68B)

Single Engine:

  • Cessna 208 (Caravan)
  • Cessna 172, 182, 210
  • Mooney M20J
  • Piper PA28, PA38

Trace Palmer

Grade 2 Instructor / Charter Pilot

Trace is our Senior CPL instructor, he previously worked for 5 years as a flight instructor just south of Christchurch, and 2 years as a skydive pilot. Trace is exceptional at preparing students in their final hours of training for their Commercial Pilot Licence test.

Trace and his wife moved to Townsville to enjoy the lifestyle our city has to offer. He has a Design Feature training endorsement, and holds Multi-Engine, Instrument and Tail wheel ratings. Trace will also soon be flying Charter flights in the multi-engine aircraft.

Trace has experience flying the following aircraft:

Multi-Engine Aircraft:

  • Partenavia P68
  • Piper Seneca (PA34)
  • Piper Navajo (PA31)

Single Engine:

  • Cessna 152, 172, 182, 180, 185
  • Piper PA 18, PA 140, PA 161, PA 181
  • Alpha 160

Tim Ledden

Theory Instructor / Flight Instructor (Grade 3) / Charter Pilot 

Originally from Sydney, Tim started his flight training at the age of 15. He completed both his RPL and PPL at Bankstown Airport before moving to Townsville in 2019 to finish his CPL training with us right here at Townsville Flight Training. Because of Tim’s excellent performance during his course of training at TFT he was offered a position in our team as the CPL Theory Instructor. His continued dedication and hard work have seen him progress even further to a Flight Instructor. Tim has also been able to conduct several flights in the region transporting company staff and freight.

Tim has experience flying the following aircraft:

Single Engine Aircraft:

  • Cessna 152, 172, 182
  • Piper PA 28

Jordon Ward

IREX Theory Instructor / Grade 3 Instructor / Charter Pilot

Jordon began flight training at TFT in January 2020, receiving his Diploma qualification and Commercial Pilot Licence in under 6 months! He then completed a flight instructor rating in Brisbane by late 2020. Because of Jordon’s exceptional performance as a student at TFT, he was hired as a Flight Instructor and also dedicated IREX theory instructor. Jordon’s work ethic and passion for flying rubs off on students as he sets a good example of the behaviours required to succeed in this industry.

 Jordan has experience flying the following aircraft: 

Single-Engine Aircraft:

  • Cessna 152, 172, 182
  • Decathlon (8KCAB)