Moorabbin Flying Services

What Moorabbin Flying Services does

Moorabbin Flying Services (MFS) is a privately held, CASA-accredited flight training organisation based at Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1993 (originally as Moorabbin Flying School) by a group of pilots and now owned and operated by Andrew and Madelaine Johnson, MFS operates as both a CASR Part 141 and Part 142 Flight Training Organisation, holding RTO 22120 (ASQA) and CRICOS 02983F registrations that enable domestic, New Zealand, and international student visa enrolment. The school describes itself as Moorabbin Airport's premier pilot training facility and trains students from first flight through to Air Transport Pilot Licence examinations, including approved testing centre status for CASA RPL and PPL exams.

The core product set spans recreational and credentialed pilot training: trial introductory flights and gift certificates, RPL/PPL/CPL theory and practical courses, a 200-hour non-integrated CPL, AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (CPL) and AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) integrated pathways, ATPL theory, Multi Crew Co-operation in a B737 simulator, and a Flight Instructor Rating with an internal hiring pathway. Training is delivered on a Piper fleet of six Warrior III, Archer III, and Seminole aircraft, augmented by a CKAS-5 PA-44 full motion simulator that MFS states is unique among Australian flight training organisations because it exactly matches the aircraft flown for instrument rating. Adjacent consumer offerings include 1-day and 3-day school holiday programs and a VET in Schools Aviation program for VCE/VCE-VM/VPC students.

MFS monetises through course fees (GST-bearing for Part 141, GST-free for Diploma pathways) plus pay-as-you-go charges on the day of flight, with no credit accounts offered. Distribution is primarily direct-to-consumer via the mfs.com.au website, online enquiry, and TryBooking-based self-serve booking for consumer products; the school also partners with CQUniversity to deliver the practical flying component of a Bachelor/Graduate Diploma pathway (VET Fee Help / HECS eligible) and with Victorian secondary schools for VET in Schools delivery. Customers span secondary school students, recreational pilots, aspiring professional pilots, and international students, with marketing concentrated on the website, Facebook, email newsletters, earned media from industry awards, and word-of-mouth referrals from former students who become instructors.

Name

Moorabbin Flying Services

Legal name

Moorabbin Flying Services

Website

https://mfs.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Moorabbin Flying Services is a CASA-accredited flight school at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne, training aspiring pilots from first flight through to ATPL via Part 141 and Part 142 pathways, Diploma programs, and a unique CKAS-5 PA-44 simulator for Australian and international students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Training Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services (THABAFAJ)

Keywords

• Pilot training
• Flight school
• Aviation education
• Commercial pilot license
• Instrument rating training

Headquarters

HQ city

Melbourne

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Commercial Pilot Licence Training: 200-hour CPL non-integrated course for Australian/NZ students, and Diploma of Aviation (CPL) for international students — full-time structured programs combining theory and practical flight training. Revenue generated through course fees (GST applicable for Part 141; GST-free for Diploma courses).
2. Theory Courses: RPL, PPL, CPL, ATPL, and MCC theory courses offered as standalone modules. Fees cover briefs and handouts; exam fees are charged separately.
3. Trial Introductory Flights and Gift Certificates: Trial Introductory Flight (TIF) priced at $269 and gift certificates at $369 for a full flight experience in a Piper Warrior, including simulator session, pre-flight briefing, and 45-minute flight.
4. School Holiday Programs: 1-day program at $595 and 3-day program with basic ($855) or extended ($1,375) options, targeting school-age participants for aviation exposure.
5. VET in Schools Aviation Program: Two-year program for VCE/VCE-VM/VPC students (Years 10 or 11 entry) combining aeronautical theory and practical flight training. Includes RPL to first solo navigation flight, PPL theory, and block credit for VCE.
6. Private Pilot Licence Training: PPL training available full-time or part-time on Piper aircraft with analogue or glass cockpit configurations.
7. Flight Instructor Rating: Flight instructor rating course with potential for employment as an MFS instructor upon completion.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Moorabbin Flying Services delivers CASA-accredited pilot training from first flight through to ATPL examinations, spanning recreational (RPL), private (PPL), commercial (CPL non-integrated and integrated via Diploma), Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor Rating, and theory courses (RPL, PPL, CPL, ATPL, MCC). Training is delivered on a Piper Warrior III, Archer III and Seminole fleet, supported by a CKAS-5 PA-44 full motion simulator and a B737 simulator. The school also offers consumer-facing Trial Introductory Flights, Gift of Flight certificates, 1-day and 3-day school holiday programs, and a VET in Schools Aviation program partnered with Victorian secondary schools.

Product overview

Moorabbin Flying Services (MFS) is a flight training organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of aviation training products and services ranging from introductory experiences to professional pilot qualifications. The core offerings include trial introductory flights and gift certificates for those exploring aviation, through to Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) programs. MFS provides both non-integrated (Part 141) and integrated (Part 142/Diploma) training pathways, including AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (CPL) and AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating). Supporting programs include theory courses (CPL, PPL, RPL, ATPL), Multi Crew Co-operation (MCC), and Flight Instructor Rating courses. Educational programs for younger participants include VET in Schools Aviation, 3-Day Holiday Program, and 1-Day Holiday Program. Training is delivered using a fleet of Piper aircraft (Warrior III, Archer III, Seminole) along with CKAS-5 PA-44 full motion simulator and B737 simulator. The organization operates as a CASR Part 141 and Part 142 approved Flight Training Organisation at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Trial Introductory Flight (TIF) A 45-minute no-obligation first flying lesson in which participants take control of an aeroplane and experience flight in a Piper Warrior, including simulator session, pre-flight briefing, and 45-minute flight, priced at $269 GST inclusive. Serves as the entry point for prospective students curious about aviation.
• Gift of Flight Certificate Gift certificates for trial introductory flights priced at $369 GST inclusive, allowing recipients to experience flight in a Piper Warrior aircraft with an experienced flight instructor.
• Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) The first pilot licence covering the aeronautical knowledge required for early stages of flight training, including pre-solo, pre-area solo, flight radio endorsement, and CASA RPL aeronautical knowledge exams. MFS is an approved testing centre for the CASA RPL exam.
• Private Pilot Licence (PPL) A pilot licence providing the freedom to fly around Australia with passengers, available through either full-time or part-time study on current model Piper aeroplanes with analogue or glass cockpit configurations. Covers preparation for CASA PPL examinations at MFS's approved testing centre.
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) — 200 Hour Non-Integrated Course 200-hour CPL non-integrated course for Australian and New Zealand students, requiring minimum 100 hours pilot in command and 10 hours instrument time at completion. Delivered as a Part 141 Flight Training Organisation course.
• Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence) AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation combining Commercial Pilot Licence with Multi-Engine Aeroplane class rating, featuring an 18-month full-time structured course available to Australian and international students with January and July intakes. Delivered via MFS's CASA Part 142 integrated syllabus enabling CPL at 150 total hours.
• Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation focusing on Instrument Rating, conducted using the unique CKAS-5 PA-44 full motion simulator and PA-44 Piper Seminole, typically 4–6 months duration. Available to Australian and international students.
• Flight Instructor Rating Training program for aspiring flight instructors teaching students how to fly using textbooks, simulators, and practical flight training, with potential for employment at MFS upon completion.
• RPL Theory Course Recreational Pilot Licence theory course covering aeronautical knowledge for early flight training stages; MFS is an approved testing centre for the CASA RPL exam. Exam fees are charged separately.
• PPL Theory Course Theory preparation for Private Pilot Licence aligned with CASA Part 61, with MFS as an approved testing centre for the CASA PPL exam.
• CPL Theory Courses (seven subjects) Seven-subject theory course preparing students for Commercial Pilot Licence in accordance with CASA Part 61 Manual of Standards, covering flight planning, navigation, meteorology, aerodynamics, aircraft general knowledge, air law, and human factors. Students may enrol in all seven exams or individual subjects.
• ATPL Theory Courses Air Transport Pilot Licence theory courses including Navigation, Performance & Loading, Flight Planning, and Aerodynamics & Systems subjects.
• Multi Crew Co-operation (MCC) Course CASA Approved MCC course conducted in a B737 simulator, combining classroom theory and simulator time for professional aviation preparation. Requires ATPL HUF pass; accommodation not included; cost not publicly disclosed.
• VET in Schools Aviation Program VCAA-approved two-year program for VCE, VCE-VM and VPC students entering in Years 10 or 11, providing RPL and PPL training to first solo, VCE study units, and ATAR increment. Theory classes held at partner schools on Wednesdays; practical flying on weekends and term holidays.
• 1-Day Holiday Program One-day aviation program for up to 6 participants featuring a 45-minute flight lesson, aircraft mechanics, helicopter hangar visit, flight simulator session, and drone information session, priced at $595 GST inclusive with supervised lunch included.
• 3-Day Holiday Program Three-day intensive aviation experience program for up to 8 participants covering effects of controls, straight and level flight, aviation museum visit, simulator, and drone introduction, with Basic ($855 GST inclusive) and Extended ($1,375 GST inclusive, with longer flight lessons and full pre/post-flight briefs) options.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CQUniversitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCQUniversity partners with MFS to deliver an Aviation program culminating in a Bachelor's Degree and Graduate Diploma. Aeronautical theory is delivered online by CQUniversity; practical flying is delivered by MFS. The CQUniversity program is VET Fee Help and HECS eligible, extending MFS's reach to students requiring government-funded study options.
• TryBookingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTryBooking is used as the online event and booking platform for MFS's trial introductory flights, gift certificates, and school holiday programs. It enables self-serve consumer booking and payment collection for these offerings.
• Aviation Aerospace AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAviation Aerospace Australia received a $1.8 million government funding grant from the Minister for Training and Skills to develop a qualification in aviation and aerospace fundamentals. MFS was mentioned in connection with this initiative as a pilot training provider in the ecosystem.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• FlightSafety International: Major aviation training organisation (now part of BAE Systems) operating full-motion simulators and crew training globally. Comparable in delivering high-fidelity simulation-based pilot and crew training, though primarily serving professional aviation operators.
• ATP Flight School: Largest US flight training school operating a multi-fleet, multi-location training network producing airline-track pilots. Comparable in scale of CPL production, though operating at significantly larger scale than MFS.
• CAE: Global leader in aviation training operating multiple flight training academies, simulator centres, and crew training services worldwide. Represents the broad incumbent benchmark for full-spectrum pilot training infrastructure and scale.
• Boeing Flight Services: Division of Boeing providing pilot training and crew resource management services. Broad incumbent in aviation training, comparable in offering advanced MCC and crew training, though serving a larger commercial aviation client base.

Emerging players

• Skyborne Airline Academy: UK-based integrated ATPL academy focused on airline cadet programmes with strong international student recruitment. Comparable integrated flight training pathway with similar international student business model.

Direct peers

• Flight Training Adelaide: Australian flight training organisation based at Parafield Airport offering integrated CPL and Diploma of Aviation pathways with a comparable Piper/glass-cockpit fleet. Most directly comparable Australian competitor operating CASA-approved integrated training at similar scale.
• Airways Aviation: Multi-country aviation training academy (Australia, UK, Europe, Middle East) offering integrated ATPL and CPL pathways with international student recruitment. Comparable integrated flight training school with similar CRICOS-style international student model.
• Australian Aviation Academy: Bankstown-based Australian aviation training provider delivering CPL, ATPL, and instructor rating programs under CASA Part 142. Comparable integrated training school serving aspiring professional pilots in Australia.

Others

• Swinburne University of Technology (Aviation): Victorian university offering aviation degree programs with integrated flight training. Comparable as a Melbourne-area pathway competitor and university-affiliated training alternative, though structured as higher education rather than a private flight school.

Regional players

• Regional Express Holdings (Rex) Flight Training: Australian regional airline that has historically supported pilot development and cadet pathways. Comparable as a regional aviation training stakeholder offering potential cadet pipeline, though operating primarily as an airline rather than a dedicated flight school.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MoorabbinFlyingServices
• Xx.com/flymfs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/moorabbin-flying-services

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Moorabbin Flying Services