ERM has been working with Aviation Projects for over three years on various wind farm development projects, with positive tangible results for our business and, more importantly, for our clients. The industry leading expertise, level of professionalism and meticulous attention to detail delivered by Aviation Projects are a reflection of the high standards that they set for themselves. The client’s desired outcomes are always of the highest consideration and adherence to standards and regulations are paramount.
I highly recommend Aviation Projects to any business that needs to identify and address potential aviation safety impacts in order to secure a development approval.
Managing Director - Aviation Expert
Background
Aviation Projects Managing Director and Principal Consultant, Keith Tonkin is one of the world’s leading aviation experts.
Keith’s life has always been about aviation. From an early age, he felt the calling to be a pilot, to experience the thrill of taking an aeroplane off the ground and having the freedom to move at speed in three dimensions.
Keith served 15 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, first flying short-haul tactical transport and humanitarian operations in the Caribou then projecting Australia’s Air Power with the supersonic long-range F-111 in strike and reconnaissance roles.
Nine years of international and domestic airline operations followed, flying for Qantas in the Classic B747-300/400 and B737-300, 400 and 800-series aircraft.
He now leads Aviation Projects, a specialist consultancy providing trusted advice about airport planning, development and operations, aerodrome safeguarding and strategic planning.
Keith has numerous post-graduate qualifications which make his knowledge and expertise truly unique. These qualifications include an MBA (Aviation Management) and approval by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority to conduct aerodrome safety inspections.
Keith has the ability to think critically and formulate and articulate arguments based on relevant knowledge and understanding of key issues, enabling the development of practical solutions to complex problems. His advice is trusted, fearless and frank.
Keith is directly engaged by law firms, government agencies and companies and the media to deliver expert evidence in environmental and development planning cases as well as provide his expert advice relating to key aviation issues. He is also called upon to provide evidence in aviation liability matters and coronial inquests.
Keith is trusted as an expert aviation commentator during significant aviation events.
Keith has a passion that energises him to make a difference, when combined with his 35 years of industry experience, who else would you want to help you with your aviation problems?
Qualifications
- Master of Business Administration (Aviation Management) – RMIT University
- Certified Practising Risk Manager – Risk Management Institution of Australasia
- Bachelor of Science – UNSW ADFA
- Graduate Certificate of Spatial Science Technology – University of Southern Queensland
- Advanced Diploma of Aviation (RAAF)
- CASR Part 139 approval to conduct Safety Inspections at Registered and Certain other aerodromes
- Quality/Safety Lead Auditor
- WH&S Officer (QLD), WH&S Representative (NSW) and Rehab Return to Work Coordinator (QLD).
