Aviation Industry – Participation Opportunities
Purpose Of This Site
Aviation has always fascinated me. There is a mystique about flying. Being able to share the skies with our feathered friends soaring above the earth in tranquility. Well for most passengers and pilots tranquility is the aim. Hurtling to the earth uncontrolled is not an option to contemplate. Aviation is a frontier that had long resisted its conquer by mankind despite early sketches by Leonardo da Vinci for what appears to be a helicopter back in the 15th Century. This site then is designed to foster an interest in all things aviation whether its from flying, gliding, building aircraft models or actual planes to fly in or developing future aeronautical machines. This site gathers many articles for your education and enjoyment about all things aviation. I must admit I am biased because I spent twenty years in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and loved the life and career it offered me.
Aviation History
Early flight by humans went back to Balloons and Airships in the 19th Century. Mankind’s flight adventure in the skies advanced dramatically when the Wright brothers Wilbur and Orville were successful in launching their heavier than air aircraft at Kitty Hawk in December 1903. The first flight only went for 12 seconds and 120 feet above ground. On the 4th flight that day with Wilbur in control the aircraft covered 852 feet in the air and lasted 59 seconds. A gust of wind severely damaged the aircraft but it did not deter their ardor and they promptly went on to build another aircraft. A far cry from today’s advanced aviation industry.
Flying as Career
It is the more adventurous who take up flying as a hobby or career and gain their pilots wings. They are in it for the sheer exhilaration of being able to control an aircraft, experiencing the thrill and joyous freedom of flying across the skies. For many what started as a recreational hobby becomes a full time occupation because the bug of flying has ensnared them and it sure beats driving a desk. Before you race off to join the pilots ranks there are health restrictions and the need for an accredited and well experienced flight instructor who will handle you personally. This is very important because the quality of training is paramount particularly if you encounter difficulties.
Other Aviation Pursuits
There are others who like to tinker on their aircraft while a third group like to collect aircraft memorabilia. Whilst not a pilot I still gained the experience of punching holes in the sky in a jet fighter, countless hours in the back of a Hercules, flying across and through the Owen Stanley ranges in Papua New Guinea in Caribou’s and going on helicopter navigation exercises (navexs) to divert and pick mushrooms from Barrington Tops after the rains. I even had a flight in an Tiger Moth over Werribee in the state of Victoria, Australia. So I know what its like to be Snoppy chasing the elusive Red Baron. It was fantastic, there are simply no other words to describe it. My love of aviation has not ceased.
Collectors and Photographers
Other aviation enthusiasts such as collectors and photographers have also managed to make money from Aviation. From selling magnificent photos through to replicas or models. They may not be able to make a living from this but again they simply like the atmosphere and camaraderie that exists in the industry. In my time in Command I met a Wing Commander who led several expeditions throughout the Pacific, Australia and South East Asia to salvage World War 2 aircraft and unfortunately in some cases the remains of the pilot or crew. He and his team brought back aircraft from the Air Forces of the Japan, United States and Australia. Some of these have been reconstructed and can now be seen in museums.
Leisure Pursuit
My involvement in civil aviation these days is more in the leisure option, where I am provided with the thrills, excitement, challenges and opportunities that few other hobbies or pursuits can provide. For those who love the adventure I would encourage you to go through the process of pilot training from a Private Pilots License, Instrument rating through to a commercial Pilot License. Would I join the Air Force again if I was a young lad. You bet I would but probably as air crew.
Arnold Vee
admin | 
August 30, 2011 6:33 am
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