Devon Sansbury brings a strong background in flight operations, aviation instruction, and business management. As Chief Executive and Training Manager at Otago Aviation Academy, he leads the development of high-quality training programmes tailored to the unique flying environment of Wanaka.
He holds a New Zealand CPL (Aeroplane) with a Category B Instructor Rating and a Bachelor of Commerce in Transport and Logistics from Lincoln University.
Devon has over 13 years of flying experience in the Wanaka region, giving him deep local knowledge of alpine conditions and operational challenges.
His focus is on building a safety-first training culture backed by sound instructional practices and operational efficiency.
Fox Lee is an experienced aviation professional with a strong background in pilot training, commercial operations, and leadership. As Chief Executive of U-Fly New Zealand Ltd, he has guided the organisation through periods of growth and challenge, including the operational demands of the global pandemic.
He holds a Bachelor of Aviation (Air Transport Pilot major) from Massey University, and maintains commercial pilot licences in both New Zealand and Australia. He also holds an EASA Flight Instructor Certificate.
With over 3,000 flight hours — including more than 2,000 hours of instructional experience — Fox brings advanced expertise in instrument and multi-engine flying. He is known for his commitment to safety, technical precision, and continuous improvement in flight training standards.
Outside of aviation, Fox has a background in automotive engineering, reflecting his broad technical skillset and attention to detail.
David is our highly experienced chief engineer at Otago Aviation Academy, bringing a strong background in aircraft maintenance and airworthiness to the team. With a meticulous approach to safety and compliance, David ensures that every aircraft meets the highest industry standards before it leaves the ground. His expertise and experience plays a vital role in maintaining a reliable and safe training fleet, supporting both students and instructors in a professional flight training environment. David takes pride in his attention to detail and commitment to best practice, helping to uphold the Academy’s strong safety culture.
Anthony supports students throughout their time at Otago Aviation Academy, assisting with all administrative matters from enrolment through to the completion of training. With a strong understanding of Academy processes, he provides clear and efficient support for documentation, scheduling, and day-to-day enquiries. Approachable and detail-focused, Anthony plays an important role in ensuring students feel supported and informed, helping their training journey run smoothly from start to finish.
Our Student Recruitment Manager is often the first point of contact for aspiring pilots at Otago Aviation Academy, guiding students from initial enquiry through to enrolment and the start of their training. With a strong understanding of aviation pathways, Cherie provides clear and personalised guidance on course options and entry requirements. Beyond recruitment, Cherie is passionate about supporting students throughout their training journey, helping them settle into life at the Academy, navigate challenges, and access the right support when needed.
