Student dreams of flying high in sky
A TOOWOOMBA teenager, who dreams of becoming a pilot, got behind the throttle of a Boeing 737-800 jet plane last week, albeit one that remained on the ground.
St Mary’s College student Tom Tierney attended a twoday aviation experience camp at USQ’s Springfield campus.
“I had an incredible two days and was very lucky to have this opportunity,” Mr Tierney said.
“I really enjoyed speaking with the first-year aviation students because I feel they have prepared me and the rest of the group for what university life will be like.
“I grew up with my house backed up next to the Toowoomba airport so all my life I have wanted to get closer and closer to planes.
“The highlight from the camp was definitely using the flight simulator and seeing how advanced and realistic it is.”USQ Head of Aviation and Logistics Professor Paul Bates said the university was committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of pilots and other aviation professionals.
“The industry is experiencing huge growth around the world, especially our region, Asia-Pacific, where it’s growing at five to seven per cent, which means there are plenty of job opportunities,” Prof Bates said.
“In some areas of Asia the growth is even greater and is going to continue for the next 20 years.”
USQ has a partnership with the Qantas Future Pilot Program.
Mr Tierney would be one of many Toowoomba teenagers who would benefit if the proposed Qantas Pilot Training Academy were to be built at Wellcamp Airport.
Nine regional areas are vying to host the Academy, which Wellcamp Airport’s John Wagner said could boost the local economy by $600 million.
Qantas is expected to announce the much-anticipated location of the academy later this year.
Photo: Contributed