AV8 "The Journey"

Established in 2004 AV8 is the fresh new face in aviation in Victoria. Located at the Latrobe Regional Airport, AV8 provides the solution in adventure flights.

Pilot Profiles

Highly skilled and experienced flight instructors have been chosen for the aerobatic flights.

Gerard Lappin

Gerard had his first solo flight in 1982 on his 16th birthday, the earliest possible date. He subsequently flew gliders as well as powered aircraft, and he and his now wife Michelle had their first solo glider flights one week apart in December 1983.

Gerard went on to gain his Commercial Pilot Licence and Agricultural Rating, and spent many years working in the Agriculture industry, including night spraying. He has worked in every State and territory except ACT.

Gerard holds a Flight Instructors Rating, and provides general and specialized training with Latrobe Valley Aero Club. In addition, he gained qualification as a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, and continues to work in the field when not actually flying.

Gerard is a keen skydiver, and the Cessna 180 owned by him and Michelle is configured for skydive operations, as well as glider towing and aerial photography. It is also being equipped for taking part in computer generated skywriting. It is not surprising that their company is called Aerial Extras Pty Ltd. They also own a Cessna 152 Aerobat which is used for aerobatic and general training. Gerard and Michelle are both keen glider pilots and active glider tow pilots. Gerard's current flying activities also include fire bombing during the summer period.