where are they now?

Name: Christian Lismann

Age: 42 years

Country: Germany


When did you train at Beckers? March to December 2010

Why did you want to fly helicopters? It was always my dream and as I hadn't enough funds when I was younger. I applied with the German Military Forces to do it with them but then there was a bad accident (with 70 fatalities) during a military airshow near my place in 1988, for which reason I decided to to refuse the obligatory military service and became a nurse instead. But later on, when I got better situated and had collected a bit of money I reactivated my old dream and did it.


Biggest challenge and why? Definitely hovering (it felt like balancing on the top of any egg and I thought I could never make it) and to be honest 180's (shame on me).

Most memorable training flight? Landing on Mt Ninderry. Flight Test with Mike Becker and Night flying.

What are your thoughts about theory? Theory is an essential part. It tells why wind is your friend and why wires can kill you, RRPM is your life and drift is always measured from heading to track made good.


What are your thoughts about the Instructors? They are all passionate pilots and this is what they transfer.

What would you do differently in training now that you finished? Nothing

What are you planning to do with your licence? To get back into Australia. It's pretty hard. So wherever it takes us to fly helicopters that will be our home.

Words of advice to those learning to fly? Keep on practicing and don't give up!

cameron barnes passes his cplh

Congratulations Cameron on passing your CPLH flight test this morning. Great work & well done!





Cameron gets his wings! And a R44 endorsement!

where are they now?

Name: Glen Colledge

Age: 34 years

Country: Australia


When did you train at Beckers? July - September 2008

Why helicopters? Why aeroplanes!

Biggest challenge in training and why? Confined Areas as there are so many facets of the training which lead up to this part of the syllabus, it makes it such a challenging yet huge rewarding part!

Most memorable training flight? The first flight of my CPL training with Mez (Simon Meredith). I had not flown 8 years previously and had completed my theory through Beckers distance learning course. We tracked northbound coastal and I will never forget thinking this is what it's all about, determination hard-work and the satisfaction of it are all the more reason to make it happen.

What did you do after you finished training? I went back to my old job for one last cash-in! Then 3 months later I became a full time pilot working for The Edge Helicopters (now known as 12 Apostles Helicopters). During which I flew alongside other "Becker boys " Matt Wilson and Tim Watkins. The bonds made with pilots during the early days are solid and will continue for ever. Great times indeed!

What are you doing now? I completed my Instructor Rating a couple of years ago I have been busy full time instructing, conducting aerial photography, scenic flying and other miscellaneous charter flying ever since. I get a lot of satisfaction seeing other pilots learn how to fly helicopters and instructing is a constant challenge and I'm learning something everyday. I'd like to remain in the training environment for many years to come!

Advice to those learning to fly? Don't give up. If it were easy everyone would do it!

Advice to those looking for work? You need to see yourself as an "apprentice". Don't have huge visions of conquering the earth in the first few years. Give yourself realistic goals and believe in yourself and your abilities as people will be relying on you to keep them safe!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Instructing!

Final words? Happy times!

gordon got married!

Congratulations to our Engineer, Gordon Jones on marrying his gorgeous fiance Kristin in Canada last month. The wedding day looked fantastic.

paul daly goes solo!

We congratulate PPLA Paul Daly in achieving his first solo helicopter flight this week. Great job well done Paul!