07 Dec 2022
Loreto Toorak Aviation Program students, Natalia (left) and Abby (right)
Loreto Toorak’s Aviation Program has continued to grow since its inception in 2013. The aim of the Program has been to show our students they can achieve success in any field they choose. Loreto Toorak has facilitated the journey of 20 students in flight training at Moorabbin Airport thus far: all 20 achieving solo flights, with 17 obtaining their Recreational Pilot’s Licence, and 3 obtaining their Private Pilot’s Licence.
This year, Year 11 students Natalia and Abby achieved outstanding results in their final written examination and now progress towards the final flight test before being awarded their RPL. We spoke with Natalia about her experience in the program.
What interested you about the Aviation program?
Natalia: I’ve always been interested in becoming a pilot, as my dad was an aeronautical engineer when he was younger, and so when I heard that the School offered an Aviation program, I was ecstatic. The program offered at Loreto Toorak is such a wonderful opportunity to get a head start in the Aviation business, and personally, I think being able to receive your Recreational Pilot’s License (RPL) before your full Driver’s License is an awesome accomplishment that not many people can say they’ve achieved.
How was the transition from learning Aviation theory in Year 10 to flight training in Year 11?
Natalia: It was definitely a jump in regards to requirements for knowledge and application, but I’ve found the whole process quite enjoyable and some of the topics in Year 10 do link to the Year 11 studies, which is very helpful.
What was your favourite memory from the program?
Natalia: My absolute favourite movement was when I completed my first Solo Flight. The first Solo Flight one completes is a full circuit around Moorabbin Airport with a ‘full stop’ landing. Nothing will ever be able to beat the feeling of landing a plane by yourself for the first time.
Was it challenging to juggle your VCE units with flight training? If so, how did you overcome this challenge?
Natalia: Personally, I found the workload achievable. I completed a ¾ subject at the same time and I found no significant clashes with my study as I enjoyed my Aviation work entirely.
Do you plan to continue with Aviation as a career path?
Natalia: Yes, I’m currently thinking about continuing Aviation as a career, and possibly aiming to work for Qantas when I’m older. I’ve also been researching universities that offer courses which allow me to further progress with my license.
What advice would you share with students who are considering joining the program?
Natalia: Natalia: Partaking in the Aviation program at Loreto Toorak is such an immense privilege. I highly recommend that students sign up for it if they’re interested in working towards their Pilot’s license. Your work most certainly pays off during this program, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that not everyone has access to. In terms of advice, I highly suggest that students keep on top of their work in this course and fly whenever they’re available to on weekends, as it really does help you in moving closer to receiving your RPL by the end of the year.
This article was published in the December 2022 Mandevillian (Vol. 37, No. 2), available for online reading and download in the Publications section of our website.