Aviation students represent RMIT at Avalon Airshow

With the Australian International Airshow show back for the first time in four years, students from RMIT Flight Training were on hand to discuss their passions for the industry.

The Australian International Airshow at Avalon was back with a bang, with five days of flight displays, industry and trade sessions and non-stop entertainment both on the ground and in the air.

Instructors and students from RMIT Flight Training, which is part of the recently launched Aviation Academy, were on hand to showcase some of the new aircraft and talk about RMIT’s sector-leading flight training program.

Five Associate Degree in Aviation students, based at RMIT’s Point Cook campus, spoke about their passions for the aviation industry and what it means to represent RMIT at the Airshow.

Natalie Tassakos is into the second year of her degree and said that her desire to become a pilot can be traced back to when she was five years of age.

“I’ve had a passion for aviation ever since I was five,” she said.

“My dad used to take me out to Melbourne Airport lookout which I found really fascinating and pretty much my whole life I was driven to become a pilot.”

“I hope to work for Qantas or Emirates one day!”

Student Natalie Tassakos standing in front of plane

Natalie Tassakos stands in front of one of RMIT's many aircraft.

Mark Wee and Joshua Meehan also both spoke about their enjoyment of flying and were thrilled to represent RMIT at the Avalon Airshow.

“I love being surrounded my planes and being immersed in aviation as a whole,” said Mark.

“I enjoy the dynamics of it, seeing different militaries in one place and getting to talk to people about aircraft and having that backstage access that normally you won’t be able to have.”

Joshua said it was the freedom that attracted him to flying.

“I got into aviation for that sense of freedom, and the ability to be able to travel around on your own with very minimal restrictions.”

Mark Wee and Joshua Meehan at RMIT's stand during the Airshow

Mark Wee (L) and Joshua Meehan (R) were at the RMIT stand during the Airshow Industry days.

Harrison Smith and Alan Tran were both eager to showcase the Aviation Academy’s new aircraft and share their own experiences to any potential students looking to take up flying.

“What I love about aviation is being able to share my experience to other students and talk about my highlights,” said Harrison.

Alan added that mingling with the RMIT Community was a highlight of being at the Airshow.

The thrill of the airshow has been great, but being apart of the RMIT community, just talking to everybody and helping people who are keen to take up flight training has been really enjoyable.

Alan Tran and Harrison Smith smiling for photo at Avalon Airshow

Alan Tran (L) and Harrison Smith (R) share a photo alongside an RMIT Flight Instructor.

Learn more about the Aviation Academy

Story: Mark Moffat

06 March 2023

More student news

Bachelor of Business graduate celebrated for outstanding community impact

15 Apr 2024

Violet Minehan was awarded the prestigious College of Business and Law Medal at the Best of Business and Law Awards.

Woman in a purple hat poses for a photo.

“I can’t recommend anywhere else!” — Why RMIT is number one for students

10 Apr 2024

Architecture and Design students share why RMIT is the nation’s number one institution for design and creative fields.

Faye poses in front of the Aston Martin pit stop area.

RMIT student driving change at the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix

09 Apr 2024

Faye Romero, an Engineering and Computer Science student, took part in a panel discussion run by Study Melbourne that explored diversity and inclusion in Formula 1.

Get support before your census date

26 Mar 2024

Chances are you will need support at some stage during your studies, whether it’s for academic or for personal reasons. Seeking support early may help you avoid a more serious situation – like needing to drop out.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information

Aviation students represent RMIT at Avalon Airshow