Sky’s the limit for future pilots

TWO final-year students based at RMIT Aviation Academy (Bendigo Airport) have been awarded scholarships from US-based Leidos Aviation, totalling $150,000 in study support and mentorships.

Through its subsidiary Airborne Solutions Australia, Leidos manages a fleet of modified aircraft equipped with advanced surveillance technologies to monitor both maritime and land territories around the country under contract with the Australian Border Force.

It also provides fixed-wing search-and-rescue response capabilities for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

The scholarship funding includes support for recipients to complete additional training focused on the specialised pilot skills Leidos requires for its local operations.

It also offers them a guaranteed career pathway after graduation.

The two recipients are Harreson Watts, from Gisborne, and Jesse Foster, who relocated from South Australia to Bendigo to complete his studies.

RMIT Aviation Academy director Lea Vesic said the institute’s exclusive partnership with Leidos provides students with not just financial support, but access to specialised training that aligns with the unique operational needs of special mission aviation.

“Programs like the Leidos Aviation Scholarship are critical in ensuring we have a strong talent pipeline for the future, not just in the commercial passenger transport sector, but also in critical aviation services such as search and rescue operations,” she said.

Mr Watts said he loves studying aviation at RMIT, especially since the Bendigo facility is so close to where he lives.

“Aviation has always been a very important part of my life – both my dad and grandpa worked in the industry as engineers. I wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to receive the Leidos scholarship. The special mission training will be particularly useful.”