Strap yourself in as we sit down with Adam Barr, a highly experienced Virgin Australia pilot with more than two decades at the airline.
In this episode, we explore Adam’s path from learning to fly while still in high school, through aviation studies at the University of Newcastle, instructing at Cessnock, and working his way through regional airline flying, before joining Virgin Australia in 2001. Along the way, Adam has flown an impressive range of aircraft—from light trainers and aerobatic taildraggers to regional turboprops and widebody jets, including the 737, Embraer 170/190, and the Boeing 777.
But Adam’s story goes far beyond time in the cockpit. He shares insights from a wide range of leadership and training roles at Virgin Australia, including SEP Instructor/Examiner, Recruiting, Senior Base Pilot, E-Jet Fleet Manager, Flight Ops Safety Investigator, Training Captain, and now Senior Training Captain. Add to that life as a husband and father of five—with three pilots, one soon to start flying, and a veterinarian in the family—and you’ll quickly see why this is a conversation packed with experience, perspective, and wisdom.
Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, an aviation professional, or simply someone who loves hearing real stories from the flight deck, this episode offers a fascinating look at what a long, rewarding career in aviation can truly look like.
Sit back, tune in, and enjoy this in-depth conversation with Adam Barr.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/asher-lee/dance-with-meLicense code: KEADNGNQ1FO8EBZM