The sky’s the limit for student pilots Lorenzo Benedetto and Aiden Rose after each receiving a $7,700 Airservices Australia-backed scholarship to pursue their dream to fly.
The Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia 2021 Federation Flying Scholarships, proudly funded by Airservices, are designed to support students from member flight schools to achieve a Commercial or Private Pilot Licence.
Lorenzo, of Monduran Aero Club near Gin Gin in Queensland, is now one step closer to his dream of becoming a flight instructor, as he upgrades his private licence to commercial.
Meanwhile, Aiden, of Manning River Aero Club at Taree in New South Wales, will put his scholarship towards private training.
Airservices is a long-term supporter of the scholarship, with up to 96 scholarships awarded since 1994.
Lorenzo was ecstatic to receive his scholarship for commercial pilot training at a presentation evening at Rockhampton Aero Club.
A surf instructor of 10-years at Agnes Water, Lorenzo has spent the past 18-months driving 1.5 hours to flying lessons at Monduran, in the pursuit of his passion.
He now has just two Civil Aviation Safety Authority exams and up to 50 flying hours to go before he secures his Commercial Pilot Licence.
“The scholarship is fantastic – one of the most expensive parts about flying is all the lessons – and because I’m going into the commercial realm, I have to fly bigger and more complex aircraft – I’m now flying in a four-seater with retractable landing gear,” Lorenzo said.
“I grew up in Gladstone near the airport – I’ve always wanted to fly. I’ve got about three years to go before I can start teaching lessons.
“The Airservices scholarship money has helped phenomenally.”
Lorenzo received his accolade alongside the club’s retired former President and current Vice President and Queensland Regional Director, Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia, Graham Dooley and Electoral Officer, Office of Michelle Landry MP, Federal Member for Capricornia, Lauren Clein (pictured).
Airservices is proud to support career pathways into aviation by contributing to the cost of flight training and removing what can be a financial barrier to becoming a pilot.
About Airservices
Airservices Australia is responsible for the safe and efficient management of 11 per cent of the world’s airspace and the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We connect people with their world safely – linking family and friends, generating economic activity, creating jobs and facilitating trade and tourism.
