LEARNING to drive is a rite of passage but for Year 10 student Reuben Smith he will go one step further by flying first.
The 15-year-old enrolled in Kent Street Senior High School’s specialist aviation course in February, moving from his home in Esperance to do so.
Since beginning the course, Reuben has completed three flights in the school’s Cessna 152 and will likely received his pilots licence before he is eligible to drive.
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READ NOWSmith said it was very exciting to know that he had the opportunity to be qualified to operate an aircraft before he could a car.
“Aviation has been something that has interested me for a while and when I found out about the course at Kent Street I decided that would enrol in it,” he said.
“The aviation course has made school far more interesting, given me many new opportunities and been very enjoyable.
“Flying an aircraft is an amazing experience although it is very challenging, as an aircraft can be manoeuvred in unique ways that are affected by external influences as well.
“I enjoy the freedom, the fact that you are able to travel in a way not possible in other vehicles.
“It really is a great experience to fly above the ground and look down on everything.”
Kent Street Senior High School’s aviation course covers topics including history and development of aircrafts, technical aviation terms and the functions of varying aircraft.
Smith said aviation lessons were very interactive and provided him with a good knowledge of the industry.
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