Meet the team that support you
AAPMBF Board
We know that a loss of licence can have serious consequences to your livelihood and your family’s financial security. We have been providing peace of mind and financial support for Australia’s pilots for over 60 years.
The MBF’s Directors are fellow pilots with your interests at heart. They have a firm understanding of the life you live and the risks you take.
Capt. Simon Brownscombe - Acting Chairperson
I have been a member of the MBF and AFAP for over 34 years and served as an MBF Trustee for the last 20 years. I have worked hard over the last three years to continuously champion the causes of my fellow MBF members. I have also served your AFAP either on State Branches or various Pilot Councils, as well as a Trustee of the MBF continuously for the last 30 years. My vision for the MBF, and the virtues and benefits of membership must be such that every commercial pilot in Australia will seriously consider and seek membership.
Capt. Matthew Nielsen
I am a Captain with Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia. As a father of five young children, I understand how important the MBF is in providing support during illness or injury. My goal is to continue to work to meet the expectations of the membership in providing improved services, relevant rulemaking and updating administrative procedures to streamline your interactions with the MBF.
Capt. Steven Vidler - Investment Chairperson
I am a B787 Captain with Jetstar based in Sydney. I have been employed with Jetstar since 2005 and have previously worked at Air North, Ansett Australia, Trans Australian Air Express and National Jet. I am currently the Chairman of the Investment Committee. With the backing of a sound MBF Investment Portfolio delivering consistent income and growth, I am committed to continually improving our product whilst containing the cost of member’s contributions.
Capt. Walter Gowans
I am currently employed as a Boeing 737 Check & Training Captain with Virgin Australia. I am also a council member on the AFAP Virgin Pilot Council and have been involved in several EA negotiations as a Pilot representative and negotiator. Serving as a Director on the MBF Board since 2018, I remain committed to maintaining and protecting a strong and resilient mutual benefit fund that can meet its obligations to its Pilot members and their families when in times of genuine need.
Capt. Timothy Glabbatz -
I am currently a Q400 Training Captain with Eastern Australia Airlines and joined the MBF as a Director in October 2019. I presently serve as the Audit and Risk Chairperson, ensuring a high level of governance and the overall quality and integrity of the MBF. I remain committed to the further strengthening of the Fund and assisting my fellow pilots and their families in times of need.
Capt. Troy Mussio
An offshore helicopter pilot with 25 years in the industry and 17 years in the MBF fund, I’m a strong advocate for the importance of the MBF product for every professional pilot. I ‘m also an AFAP volunteer Peer Welfare Representative, ‘newbie’ pilot mentor and experienced EBA committee member. A previous recipient of MBF loss of licence monthly benefits, I’ve a significant interest in contributing to the ongoing strength of this incredible fund for our entire industry.
Capt. Maddison Bartlett
I’ve been a Captain with QantasLink flying the Dash-8’s for the past nine years and have been a member of the MBF for that entire time. I’m also a member of the AFAP Eastern Pilots Council, where I enjoy representing and supporting fellow pilots. The MBF is something I genuinely value. It represents pilots looking after pilots, and I think that’s worth protecting. I’d like to play a part in helping the Fund remain strong and sustainable so it continues to provide the same support for future generations. I believe in taking a practical, considered approach, listening to different perspectives and making decisions that are in the best interests of the membership.
Capt. Brett Shipp
I am a Helicopter Captain with Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia, supported by more than 15 years of experience as an instructor and examiner across multiple helicopter operators. With over 20 years as an MBF member, I have a strong appreciation for the stability and security the Fund provides to pilots and their families. My background in mission-critical aviation has reinforced the importance of disciplined governance, operational resilience, and a forward-looking approach to member support. I believe strategic innovation is essential to guiding the MBF’s future direction. My focus is on strengthening the Fund’s foundations, ensuring it remains modern, efficient, and capable of meeting the needs of current and future generations of pilots.
Capt. Adam Mowbray
I am currently employed as a Boeing 737 Captain with Virgin Australia, where I have proudly served for the past 26 years. Throughout my career I have been committed to professionalism, safety and supporting my colleagues. My primary aim will be to represent and protect the interests of all pilots, ensuring the MBF continues to operate transparently, responsibly and in the best long-term interests of its members. I value sound financial stewardship, constructive engagement and fair representation, and I am committed to helping the Board make informed decisions that strengthen the fund for both current and future members.
AAPMBF Management
The MBF provides an easy, personal process. No call centre queues – with your MBF the team member you need to speak with is just a call, teleconference or email away. Our friendly team strives to provide the most personal and professional service.
Interim General Manager -
Chris Henderson
Chris Henderson is currently the Interim General Manager whilst Michelle Vong is on leave. Chris has been the Business Manager and Company Secretary for MBF in the past and has since stayed on in a consultancy role to advise the Board and Michelle as well as minute take during Board, Committee and AGM meetings.