Ron Olson, Lucas Argus and Howard Argus.
Photo by
Sharlene Baldo
One teenager’s love for the skies has transcended bounds by accomplishing what few his age have — learning to fly a plane before learning to drive a car.
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While most 15-year-olds are getting ready for their learner’s or branding their teeth with metal brackets, one determined pilot-to-be has taken life by the wheel and decided to take flight solo-style.
At just 13, Lucas Argus began his aviation journey under the guidance of certified Benalla Recreational Flying School and Recreational Aviation Australia flight instructor Ron Olson.
Taken under Mr Olson’s wing, Lucas became a member of Recreational Aviation Australia and was chosen as his apprentice — following in the footsteps of Mr Olson’s very first student.
The pair worked from the ground upwards, gradually progressing to harder sessions as time passed, allowing Lucas to experience different weather and wind conditions.
“About two or three years ago, I came in contact with Ron, started doing a bit of trial flights, a little bit of flying out in the training area just outside of Benalla,” Lucas said.
“And then we just sort of worked from there, doing more regular lessons until we got up to this point.
“I’ve always wanted to become a pilot, I still haven’t worked out where I want to do it, but it’s always been sort of a dream since I’ve been about five or six.
“I’ll probably continue aviation ... higher licences, so private and commercial licences, or maybe into the air force ... just whatever sort of comes up.”
Now, at just 15, Lucas has officially left the nest, earning his licence in March and taking to the skies all on his own.
Ron Olson standing beside aircraft Aeroprakt-32 with Lucas Argus sitting inside.
Photo by
Sharlene Baldo
But while Lucas has reached a significant milestone, his journey isn’t over yet.
To progress, the young apprentice must complete four “cross-country” flights, each lasting about two and a half hours.
This requires 10 to 15 hours of intensive preparation, plus additional training to qualify for carrying passengers.
His current licence keeps him within “25 nautical miles of the (Benalla) airfield”, and to progress, Lucas must learn to “navigate, use the maps and all the instruments”.
“He can only fly by himself, so when he gets a few more hours, I’ll issue a passenger’s rating so he can take his dad, or he can take his sister,” Mr Olson said.
“He’ll have all his ratings by the end of the year, so that’s our plan.
“Now that he’s received his licence, I’ll start training him for the cross-country and the passenger (rating).
“For a man of his age, he’s very switched on for a young person.
“Lucas has been a very keen and quick learner; he just picks it up — you tell him once, and he knows what to do.”
Lucas’ family has been a constant source of support, always encouraging him to reach for the stars and pursue his aviation dreams.
“I did a couple of trial flights with Ron as well, so I was pretty comfortable with him doing it,” Lucas’ dad, Howard Argus, said.
“It’s been a progression, and I’ve seen his progression of learning and stuff, so I’m reasonably comfortable with it.
“A bit more nervous when he goes up by himself, but I think the training has been pretty thorough.
“He’s done a very good job.”
Lucas’ sister added: “I’m proud because he’s been working towards this for a while.”
Lucas himself is grateful for the support he has received.
“I’d like to thank Ron for all the training,” he said.
“But yeah, I would just encourage anyone who’s sort of thinking about it to just go and do it because you might enjoy it.”
For more information on Recreational Aviation Australia, visit the website on raaus.com.au
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