Year 8 Drone-elective students and senior students completing a certificate III in Aviation were visited by retired pilot and AvServe Aviation Training Consultant Max Chapman, before heading into the flight simulator for 15 minute sessions to test their flying skills. Under the watchful eye of Mr Chapman, students were taken to a height of 1400ft, before taking control of the landing (most were successful, although there were a couple of close calls thanks to a matter of two-left-feet as pressure hit). 

Head of Middle School at Ballarat Christian College, Mr Glen Strange, said it was a very positive experience for the students. 

“[The students] really enjoyed it,” said Mr Strange. “Some thought it would be really hard, but realised they could do it, and took control.” They got an added kick out of the Melbourne landscape in the simulation, recognising areas they were ‘flying’ over.

Mr Strange says the day was a great way to get students interested in flying, and learning more about being involved with Mission Aviation Fellowship, boosted by personal stories from Mr Chapman.

“You can get your [Recreational] Pilot Licence at 16 in Victoria. That’s not far off for some of them.”

Year 12 student Darcy agrees. While he’s always been “pretty fired up” about a career as a pilot, he said this excursion boosted his motivation.

“It was pretty exciting, and a bit different,” said Darcy. He was lucky enough to take part in the event last year as well, but believes this year was even better. “It was a lot more exciting this year [because I] I knew what I was doing… It was more interactive.”

The stories from Mr Chapman added to the experience. “It was really interesting, hearing from a guy with 30 years experience under his belt.”