where are they now?

Name: Toby Satchwell

Age: 27 years old

Country: Australia

When did you train at Beckers? April - November 2009


Why helicopters?
An amazing machine. Fascinated for years with the versatility of helicopters and career paths that one could take.

Biggest challenge in training and why?
Theory was tough for me, getting into a routine to study and make sense of all the jargon! A HUGE thanks to James (Theory Instructor) for all the hard work!

Most memorable training flight?
My first solo was amazing. I think I only made it back on pure adrenalin! Also the day after my flight test. I took my sister and her family around Noosa. That was still my favourite flight!

What did you do after training?
I ha to go home to work on the farm, as I knew I was leaving the farm for a few years. Then a few months later I started to look for work. After the second phone call I made I was in the car for an interview.

What are you doing now?
I am currently flying for 12 Apostles Helicopters in Victoria doing scenic flights with a bit of photography and filming. I'm leaving next work to start on Hamilton Island!




Advice to those learning to fly?
Start with a TIF (Trial Instructional Flight) to see you if you want to pursue it. Get your medicals and theory out of the way before you start flying full time and spending money, that way you can concentrate on the good stuff!

Advice to those looking for work?
Research!!! A resume will only get you so far if you don't have the minimum requirements. Also think about who you are going to see if you're looking for work at a tourism operator. Have a shave, dress tidy. I see it every week some guys are great but first impressions last.


Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In Canada heli-skiing in the winter and fires in the summer! Living the dream!!!

Final words?
It's a huge commitment not only financially but also friends and family. You need to to want to dream 100% or it just won't work. Think about where you want to end up, talk to many operators and pilots as you can. Keep networking as you never know who will be your boss one day!


Good luck on Hamilton Island! For more on Toby please go here

please vote for 99s AEMSF

The Ninety Nines Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund (AEMSF) is one of 20 aviation charities eligible to win one of 5 $10,000 grants from the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation. The winners will be determined by popular vote of the aviation community. An additional 200 votes are needed to move AEMSF into the top 5 place.

Voting closes 15 September 2011 and the winners will be announced at AOPA Aviation Summit later in the month.


This is a wonderful opportunity to raise funds from outside sources but they need your vote (and the vote from aviation friends).

In 2011 AEMSF awarded 33 aviation scholarships totaling more than $180,000 in financial aid. 100% of the Lightspeed grant would go to scholarships since the AEMSF has no operating expenses or employees.

Please support aviation scholarships by voting for the Ninety Nines AEMSF on the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation website.

It takes less than a minute to vote!

start profile: aidan hart

Where and when did you start your apprenticeship?
I knocked on the door of Becker Helicopters when I was 16, a year 10 high school student with no qualifications or experience. I was looking for volunteer work. After 2 years of sweeping floors, washing machines and paint stripping parts I took on a school based traineeship, working one day a week and working during school holidays. At the end of 2 years I received a Certificate II in Aero Skills. It's amazing what knocking on the door can do.


Why engineering and why helicopters?
It was my Dad's idea. He knew I wanted to be a helicopter pilot. I was fascinated what helicopters could do, plus I loved the idea of flying an aircraft even though I was somewhat afraid of heights. I had very little mechanical experience. I was mechanically minded and enjoyed taking things apart, just because I would try to fix it but I'd have no idea how. Dad got a brochure from a local aviation engineering school which I was a bit hesitant about, but I figured I had to start somewhere.

Any challenges during your apprenticeship?
Biggest challenge was commuting to Brisbane, working full day then to come home and study for exams, which was the last thing I wanted to do!

Special or funny moments during training?
There's way too many funny moments to say. There's always something new everyday! One special moment? Leaving Grade 12 from my school in a helicopter. Thanks Beckers!

Advice to others seeking an apprenticeship?
If you have a goal, shoot for it. Don't let anything hold you back and go the extra mile. Sell yourself and get yourself known. It's a small industry and a name goes a long way.

student profile: michael reed

Name: Michael Reed

Age: 25 years

Country: Australia


When did you train at Beckers? Feb 2009 to May 2011 (part time)

Why did you choose helicopters? It's an amazing career.

Biggest challenge and why? Juggling work and flying was tough.

Most memorable flight? Sling and mountains training.

What would you do differently in training now that you finished? Not take so long!

What are you planning to do with your licence? Tourism

(Mick Reed is currently working as a pilot in Far North Queensland)

Words of advice to those learning to fly? Go for it! It's the best thing you'll do.

where is fergus?

From coordinating flood relief (see here) to lifting in Chicago (see here) , where's Fergus now? Fighting bushfires on the Gold Coast of course. This picture taken a few hours ago. Way to go Fergus!

new r22 arrive at beckers

We celebrate the arrival of our new R22 VH-UTX to Beckers. How fantastic it is to see a spanking new Robby!




In case you missed VH-UTX in the stages of being built, go here

new graduate - brad noble

We wish Brad Noble read here lots of luck in Katherine, NT. Congratulations and well done! We will miss you.