THE Mount Gambier Aero Club has launched a unique competition to encourage young people to reach for the skies and follow their passion.
The aero club – in conjunction with two regional flying schools – is giving away 12 introductory flights for young people aged between 14 and 17.
The unique free competition aims to encourage young people to consider a career as a commercial pilot.
This comes as the airline sector struggles with a national shortage of pilots.
Mount Gambier Aero Club vice president, passionate recreational and former commercial pilot Bob Rowe encouraged young people to enter the competition.
“We want to give our youth – which have so much potential – some direction as to what flying a plane is like,” Mr Rowe said.
“We are going to pick 12 lucky young people and divide them between both flying schools and pay for their initial trial flight.
“Rather than being a young person who dreams of flying, at least they can try the real thing.”
Mr Rowe thanked the flying schools GambiAir and Sportsflite for helping to make the competition a reality.
“Our members already know how addictive and rewarding flying is and we want to share this passion with you,” he said.
The winners will meet an experienced instructor, be mentored by Mount Gambier Aero Club pilots and undertake their first “fully hands on” trial introductory flight.
Each are valued at about $220 and will be distributed between the two flying schools.
While the idea was initially sparked by Mr Rowe, the idea was quickly supported by the club.
“We are trying to attract young people into our aero club and support the Mount Gambier Airport because it is a wonderful airport facility,” Mr Rowe said.
“We also want to promote our two flying schools, which are members of our club.”
Mr Rowe – who flies a 1977 classic Cessna 172N – described flying as exhilarating.
“I love looking down at the world from up there – you can fly over the same patch of ground every day, but if you look out the window it changes every day,” Mr Rowe told The Border Watch
Mr Rowe – who previously flew planes as a commercial pilot over Lake Eyre – described it as “great fun” and a rewarding career.
He said the Mount Gambier Aero Club was a strong organisation with nearly 50 members.
“We have a very high number of members that have an aircraft – we have 25 aircraft, three quarters are housed in sheds at Mount Gambier Airport,” the recreational pilot said.
“These aircraft are mainly single engine and range in age from about 10 years to 40 years old.”
Young people who live within a 50km radius of Mount Gambier can enter the competition.
The prize also includes an initial free junior membership of the Mount Gambier Aero Club.
Applications close August 31 and winners are expected to be announced mid September.
