Meet Our ExperIENCED Flight Instructors
At Recreational Pilots Academy, all training is led by an experienced Chief Flying Instructor, ensuring consistent standards, safety, and professional instruction across all training.
James Hubbard
Chief Flight Instructor
James Hubbard combines engineering precision with a pilot's passion for flight. His aviation journey began in 1995 at Adelaide Ultralight Flying School (now RPA), where he discovered that flying was more than a hobby—it was his calling.
From Thrusters and Lightwings to advanced aerobatic training, James has logged thousands of instructional hours and accumulated qualifications in Constant Speed, Retractable, Formation Flying, and Aerobatics.
As a CFI, he works closely with his wife, Dr Rita Princi-Hubbard, Clinical Psychologist with 25 years experience, and with a PhD in Education, to integrate neuroscience and psychology into flight training. Together, they help students understand their physiological, cognitive and emotional responses—particularly anxiety when first flying. By explaining how the brain processes information and stress, James then recommends tailored strategies that transform anxious responses into confident learning outcomes, delivering exceptional mentoring in light aircraft.
Together with our CFI, our senior instructors form a dedicated team of passionate aviators, delivering personalised, high‑quality flight training to every student.
Sandeep (Sunny) Adhikari
senior instructor
Sunny brings a rare combination to the cockpit — a deep love of flying paired with a genuine love of people. A commercial pilot by training, he has been instructing with RPA since 2024, where his passion for flying and equal passion for teaching come together every day.
Alongside his role at RPA, Sunny works as cabin crew with Qantas — a safety-critical environment that demands clear communication, calm decision-making, and care for the people around him. He brings all of that into his flight instruction. Whether you're a nervous first-time student or a confident pilot polishing your skills, Sunny has a way of putting you at ease, asking the right questions, and helping you see what's going on in the aircraft and in your own head.
His teaching style is warm, patient, and engaging. He understands that learning to fly is as much about confidence as it is about competence, and he builds both in equal measure — reminding students exactly why they fell in love with flying in the first place.
Steve Miranda
senior instructor
Steve Miranda is a highly experienced aviation professional and Senior Instructor, specialising in both Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and gliding operations. He holds Senior Instructor status in LSA and is a Level 2 Senior Instructor in gliding, as well as being aerobatic rated.
With a strong foundation in flight training and operational standards, Steve is recognised for his disciplined approach, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to aviation safety. He brings a wealth of experience to every lesson, combining precision flying with practical, real world knowledge.
Steve is responsible for training and assessing pilots across a wide range of experience levels. His work includes advanced flight instruction, check and assessment flights, and structured mentorship to ensure pilots meet and exceed regulatory and organisational standards. His expertise in both powered and non powered flight allows him to deliver comprehensive, well rounded training.
Known for his engaging and distinctive teaching style, Steve has built a strong following of students who value his ability to develop confidence, refine skills, and instil sound decision making in the cockpit.
A respected leader within the aviation community, Steve actively promotes a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Flight Training in Action
At RPA, training is delivered through a combination of classroom briefing and in-flight instruction, with a strong focus on safety, skill development, and professional standards.