Most of us will never fly a plane in our lives, let alone before we even get our driver’s licence.
But for Mandurah Baptist College student Glen Sparks, piloting an aircraft down the Mandurah coastline is a bit of weekend fun.
The year 11 student was awarded the AirBP Tom Millar scholarship at the Royal Aero Club annual wings presentation dinner on Saturday, October 13.
The scholarship is worth $5000, which Glen said he will use towards the cost of gaining his private pilot’s licence.
“I started flying when I was 13-years-old and I got my recreational licence on my 16th birthday so I got that before my driving licence. I’m still on my L plates,” he laughed.
“But I’ll use this towards my next licence of my flying career.
“The private pilot’s licence is unrestricted in how far I can go, where I can go and what I can fly.”
Glen was one of only two students to win the cash grant after writing a 400 word application for the scholarship.
He said he, and his family, were surprised to hear his name called during the presentation.
“My parents were so proud because we really weren’t expecting to win it,” he said.
“I’m sure my friends probably think it’s a bit different that I can fly a plane.”
While he conquers his year 11 exams with two feet planted firmly on the ground, Glen has big things in store for his flying career.
“Long term, I want to fly commercial for one of the bigger Australian airlines like Qantas or Virgin,” he said.
“I’m hoping to apply for the new Qantas flight school that’s been opened either next year or the year after.”
