Austin Crawley  has won a $7000 scholarship to learn to fly.
Matt Jelonek           d452948
Camera IconAustin Crawley has won a $7000 scholarship to learn to fly. Matt Jelonek         d452948 Credit: Supplied/Matt Jelonek         d452948

Dream of flying high taking off

Bryce LuffCockburn Gazette

A few years on and the 15-year-old is just a few hours into his journey to becoming a commercial pilot, but flying big airliners remains the goal.

Austin, who took up flying after taking part in an open day at Jandakot’s Royal Aero Club of WA, was recently presented with an Airservices Learn to Fly Scholarship worth $7000.

That will be put towards obtaining a commercial pilot licence, which costs around $70,000. A fuel subsidy from the Australian Air Force Cadets should reduce that to $30,000.

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Cannington’s Shivangi Sharma also had some good news earlier this month.

She was one of four female pilots to claim an $8000 Australian Women Pilot’s Association flight training scholarship, sponsored by Airservices.

Airservices air traffic control executive general manager Greg Hood said it was important young people were encouraged and assisted to pursue a career in aviation.

“Tomorrow’s commercial pilots are today’s aviation enthusiasts, and we are proud and pleased to support their aspirations,” he said.

The Royal Aero Club will host an open day on May 22. For details, visit becomeapilot.com.au.