With more than 2 decades working in the aviation industry, Susan Carroll has built a career defined by community service, operational excellence and a deeply human approach to safety leadership.
Today, she wears several hats: a grade one flight instructor, charter pilot, safety manager, compliance lead. She plays a pivotal role in a small operation, Secure Air Flight Training, and Air Charter Today, that provides everything from flight training to charter services for emergency response, and medical transportation.
A career rooted in purpose and community
Susan began her flying journey in 2005, progressing from student pilot to commercial pilot and instructor, and ultimately a central figure in the growth of her organisation. But when she talks about her background, she doesn’t list ratings, exams or flying hours. What defines her is impact.
Her team supports local communities in profound ways, including flying emergency services personnel to flood and fire-affected communities, and keeping essential routes connected when natural disasters isolate towns. For Susan, aviation is not just a career; it’s a way of contributing meaningfully to the people around her.
‘I think of us as community‑based,’ she says. ‘We pride ourselves on the role we play. The reward comes from using our skills to help others.’
A varied and demanding role
No 2 days look the same for Susan.
She might begin with a training flight, move on to data analysis for safety metrics, coordinate a safety meeting and finish the day preparing for a charter operation or conducting a flight test. Her work ebbs and flows with the seasons – fire risk in summer, weather‑related risks in winter – and her responsibilities stretch across operations, compliance and leadership.
In a small organisation of just 6 to 7 staff, Susan carries an extraordinary workload. She jokes that at large airlines, a full team carries out the work she does alone, however, Susan approaches this challenge with an analytical, systems‑focused mindset, as well as a lot of determination!
Human‑centred safety leadership
Susan’s approach to safety leadership is grounded in understanding systems rather than assigning blame to individuals.
She brings strong attention to detail and a high level of organisation, which are qualities essential in a highly regulated, compliance‑driven environment. She leads from a centred and supportive place, choosing guidance and empowerment over top‑down enforcement.
Susan also focuses on nurturing safety culture from the grassroots, especially among student pilots who are developing their foundational habits and attitudes. Underpinning all her work is a commitment to teamwork, open communication and empowering those around her to contribute to a safe and collaborative aviation environment.
She sees safety not as a standalone function, but as the foundation of operational excellence.
Receiving the CASA safety manager scholarship
Receiving the CASA safety manager scholarship was both an honour and a moment of personal validation for Susan. But she stresses the value came from the process as much as the outcome.
Completing the application and speaking with the panel prompted her to reflect deeply on her role, achievements and aspirations. The interview became an energising conversation with experienced professionals who helped her articulate the pride she takes in her work.
She walked away uplifted. ‘It was something I’ll always remember and value,’ she says.
Susan is using her scholarship to undertake a short course in aviation accident and incident investigation. This training not only fills a gap she had identified in her skill set but also aligns closely with the systems‑thinking approach she brings to safety.
‘Fortunately, we haven’t had any major safety incidents, but I still want to make sure I’ve got the right skills to handle an investigation if something ever does happen,’ she says.
‘That way, we can look into it properly, understand what caused it, and put the right measures in place to stop it happening again.’
Tips for aspiring safety mangers
Susan’s advice to others considering a career in aviation safety is simple: safety is the foundation of operational excellence.
Whether in a large organisation or a small operation, strong safety culture builds trust, enables success and protects the people at the heart of aviation.
With that perspective, she says, the role of a safety manager isn’t a burden, but a rewarding, purpose‑driven path.
Applying for a CASA safety manager scholarship
If you think you have what it takes to be our next safety manager scholarship recipient, read more about this exciting opportunity on our website.
