Sky high students

By Rebecca Fraser
STUDENTS at Kambrya College swapped the classroom for the cockpit this week when they received a first class introduction to flying.
On Tuesday, Peter Fleming, course coordinator with Tristar Aviation, visited the Berwick School to host a pilot demonstration and even brought along a plane to the delight of all students.
The visit aimed to drum up interest among year 11 students and highlight the aviation program that Tristar has been operating in schools for the past five years.
Mr Fleming said after holding discussions with Kambrya principal Ian McKenzie they had proposed that theory classes be conducted for two hours twice a fortnight after school for interested students and that flight training take place at Moorabbin Airport on either weekends or during daylight savings on weekday evenings.
Mr Fleming said attaining a private pilot licence was the first step towards obtaining a commercial licence for those who wish to pursue a career in aviation.
He said the course was designed to positively add to student’s education.
“It will give students an appreciation for the understanding of fundamental subjects in physics, mathematics, engineering and even biology and English by explaining how they are applied in day-to-day life in the aviation industry.
Year 10 students may also get the opportunity to complete the basic aeronautical knowledge theory component of the private pilot licence and complete or continue the General Flying Progress Test (GFPT).
Year 11’s will then complete the private pilot licence theory component and commence flight training towards completing the licence training.
By year 12 students would need to complete all theory requirements so as not to interfere with their final VCE studies.
This year would be used to complete flight training with the view that students will be a holder of the licence by the end of year 12.
All students must also be examined by a designated aviation medical examiner in order to be found fit to fly.
To fly solo or complete the GFPT stage students must be 16 years of age and to complete the pilot’s licence must be 17.