Top flight trainer: Michael Thomas has been awarded the 2017 Wings Flying Instructor of the Year award.
Camera IconTop flight trainer: Michael Thomas has been awarded the 2017 Wings Flying Instructor of the Year award. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey www.communitypix.com.au d473071

Jandakot: winging it pays off for WA’s top pilot trainer

Jessica NicoCockburn Gazette

LEARNING to fly can be a stressful time for many young pilots, but having Australia’s best flight instructor in the next seat is likely to make things a little easier.

Grade one instructor Michael Thomas, who is a member of the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia (RACWA) out of Jandakot Airport, was recently awarded the 2017 Wings Flying Instructor of the Year award in recognition of 25 years of dedication to training pilots.

The Woodvale resident became a full time RACWA instructor this year after a decade of being a casual instructor and volunteering as an air force cadets teacher.

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He said he had a love for aircraft and aviation for as long as he could remember and was blessed to be able to work with his passion.

“All I know is that whenever I see or hear an aeroplane my head will automatically turn towards the sky,” he said.

“It is difficult to describe the immense feeling I and I am sure other aviators get whenever we fly an aircraft.

“As an instructor I am indeed fortunate and get great satisfaction from being able help people of all ages and backgrounds develop their skills and knowledge as they learn to fly an aeroplane.

“To see the expression of accomplishment on a person’s face after their first solo flight as an example is beyond description and I am grateful for being able to be part of this life changing experience.”

He said he was “honoured and humbled” to have received the award.

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