Decision gives kids room to dream 747 big
SEVEN-YEAR-OLD James Bridge has wanted to be a pilot for as long as he can remember.
“I want to fly (for) Jetstar,” James said. “I want to build planes and fly them.” The airplane enthusiast could now have the chance to fly for Jetstar when he is older after parent company Qantas launched a pilot training academy in Toowoomba this week.
Mum Rebecca Bridge said the announcement of the Qantas academy was exciting news for James.
“It means he could continue his education if he wants to take his love of aviation further,” Ms Bridge said.
“I’m pretty excited because James has always loved aviation, it doesn’t matter how big or small a plane is, he loves it.
“Whenever we go down to Brisbane he’s spotting the Qantas ones, or the Jetstar ones. If he still wants to do this when he’s older it will be a dream come true for him.”
Ms Bridge said James, and younger brother Bradley, aged 3, had aviation running in their blood.
“Their dad Wayne has had his licence since he was 16 and is a qualified aircraft engineer,” she said. “James has pretty much been flying from when he was six months old, Brad too.”
The family is often at the Darling Downs Aero Club, watching the trainee pilots and joy flights take off.
For James, he said he just loved how peaceful it was up in the sky.
“Everything looks so small from up there,” he said.