Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 24, 2010 20:55:00 GMT 12
www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/local/news/tim-aims-for-sky-with-air-force-scholarship/3935009/
Tim aims for sky with Air Force scholarship
Patrick Drabczynski | 23rd December 2010
High-Flying: Air Force pilot hopeful Tim Clark looks to the sky for his future. Photo / Stuart Munro 221210wcsmatc-1 Former Wanganui High School student and Air Training Corps Private Tim Clark has his eyes set firmly on the skies as he prepares to get his wings after being accepted into the Royal New Zealand Air Force flying scholarship.
The scholarship, which involves a week flying the CT4 Air Trainer aircraft with RNZAF instructors, is open to only four cadets from New Zealand each year.
He had to complete three years training with the ATC, attend specialist-training courses at Woodbourne RNZAF base, and write an essay as part of his application for the scholarship.
Much of the training, says Mr Clark, is ground-based, learning about the physics of aerodynamics, studying navigation techniques and aerospace radio operation.
He believes that his strong passion for aeronautics as well as his technical ability, was the clinching factor in his success
"Ever since I was a child I've dreamed of flying and when I got the chance to join the ATC cadets I jumped at it.
"There's nothing else I would rather do than fly, it's the most thrilling thing I've ever experienced."
Mr Clark joined the Air Training Corps while at intermediate school and is half-way through the training required to attain his personal pilot's licence.
The 18-year-old has just completed his final year at Wanganui High School and plans to enrol in the officer training course at the RNZAF base at Woodbourne, which begins next September.
Following that he will enrol in the 48-week pilot training course at Ohakea.
Committed to a future in the RNZAF, he hopes to fly large fixed-wing aircraft, such as the Hercules, transporting troops and equipment into battle zones such as Afghanistan. Despite his high ambitions, he has a back-up plan, should he fail to make it as an Air Force pilot.
"Once I've completed my personal pilot's license training at the Wanganui Aero Club, I can begin commercial pilot license training, which will enable me to fly commercially if the Air Force doesn't work out."
Mr Clark is also active in the Air Training Corp's recruitment drive.
YOUNG ACHIEVER
We want to celebrate our young stars. If you know someone who deserves recognition, call the Chronicle on 349 0728 or email news@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
Tim aims for sky with Air Force scholarship
Patrick Drabczynski | 23rd December 2010
High-Flying: Air Force pilot hopeful Tim Clark looks to the sky for his future. Photo / Stuart Munro 221210wcsmatc-1 Former Wanganui High School student and Air Training Corps Private Tim Clark has his eyes set firmly on the skies as he prepares to get his wings after being accepted into the Royal New Zealand Air Force flying scholarship.
The scholarship, which involves a week flying the CT4 Air Trainer aircraft with RNZAF instructors, is open to only four cadets from New Zealand each year.
He had to complete three years training with the ATC, attend specialist-training courses at Woodbourne RNZAF base, and write an essay as part of his application for the scholarship.
Much of the training, says Mr Clark, is ground-based, learning about the physics of aerodynamics, studying navigation techniques and aerospace radio operation.
He believes that his strong passion for aeronautics as well as his technical ability, was the clinching factor in his success
"Ever since I was a child I've dreamed of flying and when I got the chance to join the ATC cadets I jumped at it.
"There's nothing else I would rather do than fly, it's the most thrilling thing I've ever experienced."
Mr Clark joined the Air Training Corps while at intermediate school and is half-way through the training required to attain his personal pilot's licence.
The 18-year-old has just completed his final year at Wanganui High School and plans to enrol in the officer training course at the RNZAF base at Woodbourne, which begins next September.
Following that he will enrol in the 48-week pilot training course at Ohakea.
Committed to a future in the RNZAF, he hopes to fly large fixed-wing aircraft, such as the Hercules, transporting troops and equipment into battle zones such as Afghanistan. Despite his high ambitions, he has a back-up plan, should he fail to make it as an Air Force pilot.
"Once I've completed my personal pilot's license training at the Wanganui Aero Club, I can begin commercial pilot license training, which will enable me to fly commercially if the Air Force doesn't work out."
Mr Clark is also active in the Air Training Corp's recruitment drive.
YOUNG ACHIEVER
We want to celebrate our young stars. If you know someone who deserves recognition, call the Chronicle on 349 0728 or email news@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
