About Us

More about the people who have made this all possible.

  • the team
  • The idea

Three enthusiasts come together, bringing you stories and tales to keep you entertained.

Find out more about this unlikely collaboration made possible through a shared passion for all things aviation.

Share in the the lessons learnt, challenges faced and obstacles overcome

through our journeys of becoming pilots.

startup to shutdown team - Rhett Shillaw- tea

Rhett Shillaw - Author, Host

My piloting career began at 16. With many detours along the way, the adventurous allure of aviation never let me wander too far. From scenic seaplane flips in Australia to instructing in Johannesburg, I eventually returned to flying floats in the Maldives in 2019 - just before the Pandemic hit. Covid presented other opportunities that led to running a beekeeping business before finally coming to my senses and returning to aviation. Now working with Ag Aviation Africa to help build and develop an aspirational aerial application academy. I hope to help, inspire, and motivate as many new pilots as possible.

Startup to shutdown team bronnn

Bronni Bowen - Author

Bronni has navigated a range of different industries, from agriculture to aviation. She is the Editor of Airnews Magazine, Feature Writer and Columnist for HeliOps Magazine, and is Assistant Operations at Yarra Valley Aviation and the Lilydale Flying School. If you thought that wasn’t enough, she now joins Startup to Shutdown, sharing some of her incredible aviation stories and experience. A true jack of all trades, Bronni is busy obtaining her CPL in both balloon and fixed-wing aircraft.

Startup to shutdown Paul Henning

Paul Henning - Podcast Host

Although Paul always felt drawn to aviation, it only became a reality for him later in life. However, he was quick to make advancements through the charter sector. Swiftly taking on the role of Operations and Safety Manager with MCC Aviation. Paul is now an airline pilot based in Pretoria.  Before flying, photography was where he found adventure working for some of the biggest names in entertainment and wildlife TV. His experience is only one of his great assets. A natural leader with a unique perspective, Paul adds a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to our podcasts. 

We've been working hard to bring you the most value in everything we do. Helping you achieve your aviation dreams. If you found any of the content on the Startup to Shutdown platform helpful and would like to see more, please help support us on this journey. Every little contribution (no matter how small) goes a long way!

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