Avid young South Canterbury aviator makes history
Jul 17, 2016 19:03:53 GMT 12
errolmartyn, baronbeeza, and 2 more like this
Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 17, 2016 19:03:53 GMT 12
Well done Ross! Awesome achievement!
Avid young South Canterbury aviator makes history
JOHN BISSET
Last updated 17:35 17/07/2016
Rangitata teenager Ross Brodie has just been approved as a microlight instructor.
Rangitata teenager Ross Brodie has made history by becoming the country's youngest microlight instructor.
Earlier this year the avid aviator managed another world first by flying solo for the first time on his sixteenth birthday, not once but sixteen times in sixteen different aircraft.
It's a feat which has not been achieved by anyone else world-wide.
The teenager's fascination with aircraft started early - from the age of one Brodie was riding shotgun with his father Russell, who operates an aerodrome and flight training school on the family's Rangitata farm.
Brodie started formal flying lessons at the age of 9 and said he often found it frustrating waiting until the legal age of 16 to finally fly solo.
"It's pretty hard to explain why I love flying so much, when you're up in the air it's just pure joy really," he said.
His latest achievement would enable Ross to teach students to fly in the microlight category. The only restriction being, his pupils must be evaluated by a senior instructor before flying solo.
Although he can teach people to fly, it's a different story when it comes to driving a car - where Ross must be accompanied by a fully licensed motorist and carry L plates.
It's been a year of firsts for Brodie who also entered the New Zealand national club aerobatics champs in his grandfather's aircraft.
"In March I went to the national champs and competed in my first ever competition in aerobatics. I won the primary section category and am pretty happy about it," he said.
"I'm really hooked now, whenever I can I'm out practising trying to get ready for next year's competitions."
Brodie had accumulated 85 flying hours prior to his solo flight in January, he has since choked up another 70 which has given him the experience to take and train passengers.
"Living on an airfield and having Dad as an instructor has definitely helped with my flying career," he said.
Brodie's father Russell said he was rapt with his son's achievements.
"It's been a long time coming for him. When you're 11, waiting to turn 16, it seems forever to wait for something he's planned all his life."
"Ross wants to help others enjoy the freedom of flying. He would even be happy to help someone beat his own world record, that's how passionate he is about flying," Russell Brodie said.
He explained how his son did not receive pocket money, a move which had helped him achieve his dream.
"In lieu of work, around the farm and aerodrome, he gets air time or flying hours which has helped get him to where he is now."
New Zealand was unique in allowing a 16-year-old to progress to an instructor's level in the microlight category, he said.
Ross was now focused on pursuing a career in general aviation, however he would need to wait until he was 18 to legally instruct in that category.
- Stuff
www.stuff.co.nz/video/82185749/Avid-young-South-Canterbury-aviator-makes-history
Avid young South Canterbury aviator makes history
JOHN BISSET
Last updated 17:35 17/07/2016
Rangitata teenager Ross Brodie has just been approved as a microlight instructor.
Rangitata teenager Ross Brodie has made history by becoming the country's youngest microlight instructor.
Earlier this year the avid aviator managed another world first by flying solo for the first time on his sixteenth birthday, not once but sixteen times in sixteen different aircraft.
It's a feat which has not been achieved by anyone else world-wide.
The teenager's fascination with aircraft started early - from the age of one Brodie was riding shotgun with his father Russell, who operates an aerodrome and flight training school on the family's Rangitata farm.
Brodie started formal flying lessons at the age of 9 and said he often found it frustrating waiting until the legal age of 16 to finally fly solo.
"It's pretty hard to explain why I love flying so much, when you're up in the air it's just pure joy really," he said.
His latest achievement would enable Ross to teach students to fly in the microlight category. The only restriction being, his pupils must be evaluated by a senior instructor before flying solo.
Although he can teach people to fly, it's a different story when it comes to driving a car - where Ross must be accompanied by a fully licensed motorist and carry L plates.
It's been a year of firsts for Brodie who also entered the New Zealand national club aerobatics champs in his grandfather's aircraft.
"In March I went to the national champs and competed in my first ever competition in aerobatics. I won the primary section category and am pretty happy about it," he said.
"I'm really hooked now, whenever I can I'm out practising trying to get ready for next year's competitions."
Brodie had accumulated 85 flying hours prior to his solo flight in January, he has since choked up another 70 which has given him the experience to take and train passengers.
"Living on an airfield and having Dad as an instructor has definitely helped with my flying career," he said.
Brodie's father Russell said he was rapt with his son's achievements.
"It's been a long time coming for him. When you're 11, waiting to turn 16, it seems forever to wait for something he's planned all his life."
"Ross wants to help others enjoy the freedom of flying. He would even be happy to help someone beat his own world record, that's how passionate he is about flying," Russell Brodie said.
He explained how his son did not receive pocket money, a move which had helped him achieve his dream.
"In lieu of work, around the farm and aerodrome, he gets air time or flying hours which has helped get him to where he is now."
New Zealand was unique in allowing a 16-year-old to progress to an instructor's level in the microlight category, he said.
Ross was now focused on pursuing a career in general aviation, however he would need to wait until he was 18 to legally instruct in that category.
- Stuff
www.stuff.co.nz/video/82185749/Avid-young-South-Canterbury-aviator-makes-history
