Onwards and upwards for Alice’s flying optometrist
JOSIAH’S journey to obtain his instrument rating and night flying rating was a long one.
Alice Springs
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BECOMING a pilot in the desert is no easy feat, but Alice Springs optometrist Josiah Murphy has done so, and recently completed his flying instrument rating and night rating.
Mr Murphy is a past recipient of the inaugral Connellan Airways Trust Roger Connellan Award in 2017.
The Roger Connellan Award is designed to support outback aviation excellence through additional training and assisted Jo with the completion of these ratings.
Mr Murphy through his work provides high quality primary eye care to people who live in isolated, remote, and rural locations in Central Australia.
His journey to obtain his instrument rating and night flying rating was a long one.
After a few setbacks along the way, Jo was able to complete his training with Flight Standards.
“Working towards the night and instrument rating has been a big undertaking over the past couple of years,” Mr Murphy said.
“It was a much bigger than I initially anticipated. Finding a qualified instructor for this specialised aviation training is difficult and complicated but when you live remotely there are additional hurdles.
“Without the award, and the encouragement of the trust, I may not have seen it through.”
“I’m passionate about primary eye care in the outback. Working with Bill Robertson Eyecare Plus allows me to provide quality care to some of the most remote locations in Australia and this additional flight training enables me to do it with greater skill, proficiency and safety.”
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The Roger Connellan Award was introduced in 2017 in honour of Connellan Airways aviator Roger Connellan who was the Chief Check and Training Captain (later known as Connair) and pioneer aviator E.J Connellan’s son.
Roger was responsible for the department of Civil Aviation checks that pilots underwent.
Training, like the type of training undertaken by Jo for his aviation instrument ratings, is somewhat different for those living and working remotely.
Connellan Airways Trust supports a range of grants designed to improve the lives of people living and working in outback Australia.
For further information on grants and awards, or to support people in the outback through the Trust visit the website www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au
The Trust is currently reviewing applications for the 2020 Roger Connellan Award and will make the announcement of this year’s recipient in September.
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