Outside Hugh's extensive business interests (see below) his other great passion is aviation and the restoration of ex-military aircraft. This interest led to the formation of "XJET"; an operating division of Essendon Executive Pty. Ltd. Hugh is the Sole Director and beneficial owner of Essendon Executive Pty Ltd.
Hugh obtained his Student Pilots Licence in 1979 and subsequently gained his Commercial Pilots Licence, twin endorsement, command instrument rating, formation and low level aerobatic endorsements and he is approved for pylon air racing to 100 feet. Between 1995 and 2002 Hugh operated his North American T6 Harvard under the auspices of the RAAF Museum, Point Cook.
Aircraft flown include Cessna 152, 172, 182, 402/421, Piper PA-28R, PA-28R Turbo, PA-30/39, PA-44, Beech craft A36, B33, Mooney M20J, Chipmunk DHC-1, North American SNJ5, T6 Harvard, Decathlon 8KCAB, Co-Pilot Learjet 24/25,
Strikemaster and the Jet Provost.
Hugh has had wide business experience throughout his working life in various industries including banking, farming, food manufacturing, commodity trading in fats, oils, tallow, vegetable oil processing, refining, and packaging for export. This experience represents wide exposures to both domestic and overseas markets and dealing with people from many and varied backgrounds. Hugh's current interests include the provision of bulk liquid storage, handling and warehousing facilities in Melbourne to those industries dealing in non-hazardous bulk liquids with both inland facilities and a port facility with direct wharf access.
Barry Pover
Chief Engineer
Barry's experience dates back to 1966. His experience and involvement through out this era of flight is extensive. He is currently a semi-retired Aviation Consultant specialising in ex-Military early jet Warbirds.
Career experience includes the following:
1st and 2nd Line Servicing of Gnat aircraft at CFS RAF Little Rissington, operating from RAF Fairford and Kemble. Part of winter servicing team for Red Arrows.
No: 78 Squadron, Wessex II's and Gnome engine overhaul shop at RAF Sharjah. Major repairs and overhaul of Gnome engines as fitted to Wessex II Helicopter.
1st and 2nd Line Servicing on Gloster Meteor F8, T7, and Hawker Hunter Mk 6, 7, 9 and 10 at 229 OCU RAF Chivenor. 1st Line Servicing of Lightning, Canberra,
Jet Provost, Gnat, Harrier, Phantom and Buccaneer aircraft.
NCO in charge of the Visiting Aircraft Flight. Responsible for the operation of the units Target Towing Flight using Hunter F Mk 9 and Meteor F8 aircraft.
1st and 2nd Line Servicing of BAC 167 Strikemaster and Shorts Skyvan aircraft operated by Sultan of Omans Armed Forces. Part of the deep maintenance crew on BAC Strikemaster. British Aircraft Corporation. Warton, Lancs.
Aircraft Maintenance Specialist – Lightning F53 and T55 in Saudi Arabia. Crew Chief on Lightning T55, 55-713. Involved in the daily operation of 21 Lightning aircraft operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force.
Responsible for the total maintenance of a fleet of six Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft operated by the US Military in Saudi Arabia.
Engineering Manager, Eagle Aircraft Services. Beech Agents for UK. Totally responsible for the day to day operation of a UK FBO.
Owner and CEO of Plymouth Executive Aviation Ltd a UK CAA/JAR 145 Approved Maintenance Company specialising in Beechcraft aircraft.
Owner of Classic Jet Aircraft Company, UK. CAA Approved under BCAR A8-20.
Aviation Consultancy contract as Engineering Manager, Thunder City Aircraft Maintenance Company. Cape Town, South Africa.
