Sky’s the limit for student pilot

STUDENT pilot Amber Kennett has been given a lift in her efforts to take off into the skies.

The 20-year-old Damascus College graduate has been awarded a new scholarship sponsored by aerospace company Leidos Australia.

Ms Kennett is in the second year of an Associate Degree of Aviation (Professional Piloting) at RMIT University’s Bendigo site, and is among four scholarship recipients who will receive additional training in specialised pilot skills beyond commercial flying, such as search and rescue.

RMIT’s Aviation Academy is based at the Bendigo Airport, and Ms Kennett described the Leidos scholarship as an “incredible opportunity”.

“I was inspired to apply as I have always hoped to use my aviation skills to benefit others and the Leidos internship offers a perfect combination of flying while being part of mission operations that benefit the Australian community with border security and search and rescue services,” she said.

“I hope to support and serve others throughout my aviation career, whether that be through charter flights, instructing and mentoring new students, safely flying passengers as part of an airline operation, or conducting flights for humanitarian aid.”

Through the partnership with RMIT, which was announced in February, Leidos is providing $120,000 of funding to help final-year students finish their degree studies.

Academy director Lea Vesic said she was proud and excited to see students rewarded so they can develop their skills and gain practical experience in the highly specialised area of aviation.

“Partnerships like this are critical not only for supporting new pilots to enter the workforce but to make sure they develop the skills and can obtain the practical experience required to ensure they are job-ready,” she said.

Leidos Airborne Solutions vice-president James Woodhams said the group was committed to supporting future workforce development in a sector facing a significant skills shortage.

“We know that there are high barriers to entry to becoming a pilot, including the cost associated with flight training,” he said.

“We want to provide students with not only financial support but with opportunities to learn about the flying experiences available to them beyond airline careers.

“We do very specialist flying to save lives and protect national interests, and we want to contribute to building the skills required for these missions.”