CELEBRATING HDFC YOUNG STUDENT PILOTS | MAX MANGAN
MAX MANGAN
Why did you decide to learn to Fly? I did a trip to the US when I was 12 and after the flight the flight attendant invited me up to the cockpit to have a look around. That really sparked my initial interest in learning to fly. I also have an Uncle who used to fly Mirage jets with the RAAF. He is currently a glider pilot and competes in gliding competitions. He has been a big inspiration to me and has helped me along my journey to become a pilot. What stage of flying lessons are you at now and what are you looking forward to next? I am getting toward the end of my training now, and am doing practice forced landings at the moment. I need to do a few more theory exams too. I am really looking forward to getting my certificate so I can go out to the airport and fly at will. It will be great to be able to jump in a plane and get out there and explore. I'm looking forward to the challenges I will face being up there on my own, having my limits tested, and continuing to learn. What do you want to do after you’ve become a pilot? My end game is to fly commercially. I would love to be a captain on a Boeing 787, or even a 747 if they are still around then! Qantas would be my first choice of airlines. Before that though, I would like to join the RAAF as a direct entry pilot, and fly fast jets. How has learning to fly changed you? It has opened my eyes to new challenges that I never thought I would have to face. I had to change instructors during my training. I started out with Steve and then changed to John about when I was due to go solo, and that created challenges. I had to transition from the Faoxbat to the Sling at about the same time, and had to deal with some severe weather. I'm happy that I was able to get over these issues. What is flying with HDFC like? Everyone in the club is friendly and welcoming. They are all open for a chat and they are really funny. It is a great community and I love being a part of it. Why would you recommend your friends to learn to fly with HDFC? Getting to fly an aeroplane yourself is an opportunity that not many people have a chance to experience. HDFC does a great job in opening that opportunity up to anyone.
PROPWASH MAR 2020
8
