Damascus College student Jamie Dove has big, fast dreams of becoming a RAAF fighter jet pilot.
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Over the school holidays he'll take his first flights toward his dream when he works toward his first solo flight during an Australian Air Force Cadet camp at Point Cook.
Jamie is one of 16 aspiring pilots chosen from more than 100 applicants for the AAF training course, having attended a week of exams, panel interviews, team building exercises, instructional advice and uniform inspections in December.
"As part of the course we did a week of theory in Point Cook where we received a pilot kit and learnt basic aeronautical knowledge, and also had the opportunity to do an introduction flight, where I got to taxi out the Diamond DA40NG four seater aircraft."
"I loved being able to get some hands on experience in the aircraft rather than just observing," he said.
Jamie will spend the two weeks of the coming school holidays learning to fly, with the ultimate aim of flying solo at the end of the course.
"I am a little bit nervous about the prospect of flying solo, but also extremely excited by the opportunity it presents."
Jamie joined the Australian Air Force Cadets two years ago after a friend dragged him along. He began as a cadet and over the past two years has progressed through the ranks to become Leading Cadet, Cadet Corporal, and has recently become a Cadet Sergeant which enables him to teach classes on field craft, aviation and drill (marching).
"I didn't realise how far I would progress and I've found myself loving the aviation side. There's been a couple of opportunities open up for me during my years in cadets which I've taken."
Although interested in aviation before joining the AAFC, Jamie had not really considered a career in the military - now he has his sights set firmly on becoming a fighter jet pilot.
"It's so fun just being up in the air. Not many people my age actually get to go up in the sky and fly a plane. It's cool, it's such a different experience from driving or riding a bike or walking - it's something you don't do every day and it's such a cool experience."
To get a head start on his fast jet future, Jamie has a goal to get his recreational pilot licence before he turns 18 and is keen to start lessons after what he hopes will be his first solo flight in April.
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