Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 26, 2007 12:51:37 GMT 12
From the Waikato Times
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4000543a6579.html
Teen trainee flies first solo formation flight
By ANDREW MCALLEY - Waikato Times | Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Flying solo in formation with other aircraft for the first time was the highlight of an air force exercise for a Taupiri teenager.
Pilot Officer Bradley Scott, 19, undergoing a 34-week Wings course with the RNZAF's Pilot Training Squadron, took part in Exercise Wise Owl in Motueka.
Wise Owl is a biannual exercise aimed at giving trainee pilots experience in flying the air force's Airtrainers in unfamiliar skies.
Moments after completing a demanding solo-flying exercise the former Hamilton Boys' High School student said he might have been on top of the world but it was no easy ride.
Mr Scott and eight other students had left the comforts of home to spend two weeks in a tented camp during the exercise.
But it had all been worth it.
"Flying formation only metres from another aircraft requires a lot of work but it's an important step towards getting my wings," he said.
"Once I'm fully qualified, in a few years, I'll have heaps of options from flying the NH90 helicopters when they arrive to flying upgraded Hercules or Orions."
Students also learnt aerobatics, instrument, night flying and navigation skills.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4000543a6579.html
Teen trainee flies first solo formation flight
By ANDREW MCALLEY - Waikato Times | Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Flying solo in formation with other aircraft for the first time was the highlight of an air force exercise for a Taupiri teenager.
Pilot Officer Bradley Scott, 19, undergoing a 34-week Wings course with the RNZAF's Pilot Training Squadron, took part in Exercise Wise Owl in Motueka.
Wise Owl is a biannual exercise aimed at giving trainee pilots experience in flying the air force's Airtrainers in unfamiliar skies.
Moments after completing a demanding solo-flying exercise the former Hamilton Boys' High School student said he might have been on top of the world but it was no easy ride.
Mr Scott and eight other students had left the comforts of home to spend two weeks in a tented camp during the exercise.
But it had all been worth it.
"Flying formation only metres from another aircraft requires a lot of work but it's an important step towards getting my wings," he said.
"Once I'm fully qualified, in a few years, I'll have heaps of options from flying the NH90 helicopters when they arrive to flying upgraded Hercules or Orions."
Students also learnt aerobatics, instrument, night flying and navigation skills.
