Flying isn’t a new human achievement. It was first invented 120 years ago, and more primitive forms of manned flight, such as gliding have been around since the 18th century. But it is perhaps one of our most remarkable.
For Ryan, it’s becoming “second nature”. He’s about to graduate from RMIT’s Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training), operated out of RMIT’s flight school in Point Cook.
“My favourite part of flying is the sense or feeling of lifting off from the ground and going on a long flight around the state,” he said.
“The fact that I can travel from point A to B safely and conducting that flight all by myself has been one of the most rewarding feelings. Flying is not a natural human behaviour, but with time this does get a little like driving to and from work every day.”
Originally from Hong Kong, Ryan’s journey was disrupted by – ironically – the grounding of almost all commercial flying.
“I entered in this program in Year 2 after completing some previous studies in Hong Kong.
It took me about two years and a half to complete my program,” he said.
“Due to COVID-19, I was unable to enter Australia and undergo the practical section of my course, which was of course, flying!”
Naturally, flying is most students’ favourite part of the course. For Ryan however, it was also a way of getting familiar with his new home.
“One of the biggest highlights of my time at RMIT Flight Training was getting up to my solo navigation exercises,” he said.
As I am an international student, there were already so many new things that I was seeing for the first time in Melbourne. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to also view the state of Victoria from the air as I flew around building my flying hours for my Commercial Pilot Licence.