Beginning flying lessons in 2019 at age 13, Angus is well on his way to earning his solo pilot’s certificate.
And helping the flying student towards his goal is a Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) scholarship worth $1500.
If all goes well, by the time Angus’ 15th birthday rolls around in April this year, he’ll have obtained that prized piece of paper.
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“I’m pretty excited, I’ve been waiting a couple years for it,” Angus said.
“I’ve been working to get ready to go solo - I’ve been polishing everything up, making sure its perfect so I’m ready to go.”
And as Angus works towards getting all his correct qualifications in place within the next year, his scholarship will no doubt come in handy as he looks to spread his wings further afield from the Benalla Airfield.
“I’m going to put it towards my cross-country endorsements next year so I’ll be able to fly to different aerodromes,” he said.
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Learning his craft through the Benalla Recreational Flying school, Angus has been mentored by experienced pilots and instructors, Ron Olson and John Allen.
Ron said Angus’ progress as a pilot during the past two years had been fantastic to watch.
“Gus is a very dedicated and talented pilot,” Ron said.
“He did all the groundwork for his scholarship; he earns his own money for his flying.
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‘I’m very impressed with what he’s accomplished on his own.”
John agreed, believing Angus had the makings of a great pilot.
“It’s good to see someone working hard to get it right; not all students do that,” John said.
“You’ve got to have the right attitude towards an airplane.
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“Gus has got the ability to do it, and by that I mean, the consciousness of three-dimensional control and the handling of a machine and how to make it do what you want it to do and not what it wants to do.
“He certainly deserves the scholarship, and I’m certain he’ll go from strength to strength.”
As for Angus’s long-term plans in the open skies, the teen is hopeful of utilising his craft to further his career later in life.
“I’m going to do my electrical trade with dad - he’s an electrician; then try mix the two together,” Angus said.
“So I might try and do remote areas where I can fly out and service electrical things, and I’ll possibly look at doing some charter.”
● If you would like more information on Benalla Recreational Flying school, phone Ron Olson on 0413 471 475, or visit the school’s website at this link.
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