Queensland school leads the way on a mission to help students fly high

A school in the Moreton Bay region is offering students a chance to go sky high in their education, offering aviation studies and extra-curricular activities in an Australian first.

They may only be teenagers but a group of students from the Moreton Bay region already have their sights set on the sky, taking part in an Australian-first aviation program.

St Columban’s College in Caboolture offers an aviation education like no other with an aero club based on campus, giving students the opportunity to learn from aerospace and aviation specialists.

The college also offers an aviation elective from year 9 and options in senior schooling including Aerospace Systems and Aviation Certificate III in drone operations.

The club’s 18 students hands-on learning has extended to building a full-scale, kit version of an industry-certified Van’s RV-12iS aircraft.

Mentored by not-for-profit Flight Youth Engineering specialists, the students began the mission in February this year as part of a co-curriculum partnership two years in the making.

Abby Wilson, 16, is one of the students on board.

She says she’s been interested in aviation since she can remember watching planes in her backyard with her mum.

“When I came here and there were all these options that opened up, I really got to start learning and understanding how an aeroplane works – which is awesome,” she said.

“I think it’s really amazing schools are now starting to open these opportunities up, it’s not just about the piloting it’s so many other things as well.

“We get to learn about what actually goes into it and how many people have to work around the clock to make flying possible.”

Ms Wilson has been involved in the program for two years.

“I think it’s amazing, I love how they’ve put it in place and opened up this whole other sector for kids that maybe don’t want to go into a trade and they want to go into something like aviation,” she said.

“I’d love to encourage other girls to get along … I love this program.

“It’s felt like a dream since so long ago and right now it’s kind of hit me in the face and it’s like ‘wow it’s amazing’.”

The year 11 student is hoping to pursue engineering piloting and eventually work for the Royal Australian Air Force.

“I would love to be able to work on planes, maybe go through and get an apprenticeship somewhere and be able to enlist in the RAAF and see what happens from there,” she said.

“I would say never pass up an opportunity, always take it because you never know when something like that is going to come up again.”

Fellow aviation enthusiast John Hilton wants to be a pilot.

The 16-year-old has only been in the program for a year but has loved every minute of it, he even has 80 hours of flying experience up his sleeve already.

“It’s something I want to do 100% … I just thought they (planes) were pretty cool and how they work,” he said.

“We’ve been working on getting our drone licence for our certificate so we’ve had to do exams and stuff for that … but also getting our flying experience with drones.”

He says the experience of building an actual aircraft has been incredible.

“It’s very interesting to be able to speak with industry professionals that are taking their time out of their day to come and assist us,” Mr Hilton said.

“I think it’s a pretty good program because it helps people that probably don’t have as much experience and stuff be able to get into the aviation industry.”

St Columban's College Principal Michael Connolly said the program provides students with priceless industry connections.

“When we talk about upskilling the next generation and bringing real industry experience to students – well here it is in practice … it doesn‘t get much more real than this,” he said.

“This program is based on the tried and tested US Eagles Nest Program, where schools have completed seven aircraft.

“The aircraft will undergo all legislative and certification processes (and) upon completion of our first aircraft, it will be sold, with the funds raised being used to purchase another aircraft kit from VANS and the next generation of students will have the opportunity to learn these skills.”

For any businesses who wish to get involved in the project you can contact innovation and partnership leader Simone Buckingham on [e-mail]