Dan O’Donnell: Aviation Defence Specialist with NW Advisory Australia
At NW Advisory Services, our mission is to deliver world-class aviation advisory and technical expertise through a team of deeply experienced professionals. In the intricate and demanding worlds of aviation and defence, experience is everything, and Dan O’Donnell brings an unmatched depth of it. With a distinguished background across military and civilian aviation, Dan stands as a leading specialist consultant in our team.
Foundation in Aeronautical Excellence
Dan’s aviation journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of New South Wales in 2000. He soon launched into a prestigious flying career with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), mastering a diverse fleet of aircraft including the Boeing 707-320, Boeing 737-700/800, FA-18 Hornet, PC-9, Hawk 127, and Heron BVLOS UAS.
Distinguished RAAF Career and Current Leadership
Dan’s RAAF service is marked by exceptional achievement, including being named Dux of the 191 Pilots Course and the 155 Central Flying School Flying Instructors Course. Over the past twelve years, he has served in numerous roles such as:
Flying Supervisor
Instrument Rating Examiner
Aviation Safety Investigator
Type Rating Examiner
His skillset covers formation flying, aerobatics, warbirds, low-level aerobatics, stalling, spinning, and low flying — supported by over 20 years holding both an ATPL and Grade 2 Instructor Rating. Dan also holds an RePL and has both operationally deployed with an ISR BVLOS Drone and introduced into service a visual/infrared Drone capability within the Defence Explosive Ordinance Training School - including all of the certification, training, policy and procedures behind this capability. In his current RAAF Reservist role, Dan leads as the Officer in Charge of the Temora Aviation Museum, contributing to the preservation and operational display of Australia’s flying military heritage.
Passion for Warbirds and Aviation Heritage
Dan is a lifelong enthusiast of vintage military aircraft, owning and operating multiple warbirds and founding what has become one of Australia’s largest warbird aviation businesses. His deep knowledge of historic aircraft operations adds a unique perspective to his consultancy work, blending modern safety and regulatory frameworks with legacy airframes and heritage flying.
Civil Aviation and Aviation Consultancy Expertise
Since transitioning from full-time RAAF service in 2014, Dan has continued to excel in the civilian sector, flying as:
International Captain on the Global Express
International Airline Pilot with QANTAS
Part-time Fighter Pilot Instructor with the RAAF
Dan’s consultancy career has grown alongside his operational roles. Over the last six years, he has provided specialist advice in:
Flight Training Courseware Development
Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT)
Aircraft Performance and Raw Data Analysis
Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V)
Quality Assurance
Expert Witness Reports in aeronautical engineering and piloting
Trusted Authority on Safety and Regulation
Dan’s commitment to aviation safety is exemplified by his prior CASA delegation for issuing Low-Level Aerobatic Waivers, and his active leadership in aviation compliance and risk mitigation.
Let’s connect to discuss how NW Advisory can safeguard and grow your aviation investments.
NW Advisory Services, specialise in regulatory compliance, safety management, and operational optimisation for the Australian aviation industry.
Visit www.nwadvisory.com.au for more information.