Coffs Harbour student pilot is on the right flight path

Former Coffs Harbour High Lachlan Walmsley is on course to become a pilot.

FORMER Coffs Harbour High School student Lachlan Walmsley is on the flight path to becoming a pilot.

Now studying a Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) at the University of South Australia, eighteen-year-old Lachlan earned a Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) as a TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) student in year 11.

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“The TVET course through TAFE NSW was a great introduction, and confirmed for me that I wanted a career in the aviation industry,” he said.

“I want to become a commercial airline pilot in the future,” Lachlan told News Of The Area.

“Preferably flying for airlines as big as Qantas, Jetstar or Virgin, but that is a long-term goal that I am prepared to take the necessary steps to achieve.”

Clearly suited to the profession, Lachlan said he finds learning the technical theory “really rewarding”.

“It’s not only about knowing what buttons to press in the cockpit but also about understanding the environment and the factors that pilots must know and consider when making critical decisions,” he said.

University of South Australia Aviation Lecturer Dr Danny Deng said Lachlan is excelling in his studies, having come to the course with a solid knowledge base.

“Lachlan has achieved a high distinction in at least one of his courses – Introduction to Aviation Management – placing him within the top fifteen percent of students in the class,” Dr Deng said.

“Not only does he excel in acquiring and applying knowledge, but also demonstrates strong leadership during group activities and assignments.”

A recent report from Boeing suggests 649,000 new pilots will be needed to fly and maintain the global commercial fleet over the next 20 years.

“It is an industry that is continuing to grow, and I am excited to grow with it,” Lachlan said.

By Andrea FERRARI

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