where are they now?

Name
Abhijeet Anil Mahajan

Country of Origin
India

When did you train at Beckers?
June 2006 to December 2006


Why helicopters?
Find planes too boring. Also, grew up watching my father fly helicopters in the India Army and the sight of helicopter floating down majestically during auto rotations and flaring painted a permanent picture in my mind. I had to experience the same and it definitely beat all of my imagination.

Whilst training at Beckers what was your biggest challenge?
Clearing the meteorology exam. I just could not get my head around DSLR & SLR & ELR. Still can't.

Most memorable flight at Beckers?
The nav sortie that I flew with Dave (David Paech) AKA Snake. During the flight I thought we had flown into restricted airspace, had a big argument with Dave mid-air, but we were alright.

What did you do when you finished your training?
Was tied up to the wired fence on airside and my hair was painted green! Well that and had a holiday across Australia with my wife and son.


What are you doing now?
Flying a Bell 407 for ARKI Aviation in Pune, India.

How many hours have you logged?
800+

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Moving on to a twin maybe.

Advice to those wanting to learn to fly?
Enjoy every moment of it. It's the most fun time ever. Remember every flight is a new beginning, don't waste it.

Advice on looking for work?
Keep at it. It will happen.


Final words?
Being at Becker Helicopter's was one of the most memorable time in my life. I am more than glad I elected to train with Beckers. It's been 3 years since, but I can remember and use all the valuable lesson, it does work in when you are up there flying single pilot in the most trying conditions. Thanks a lot again guys, it was a real pleasure.

oscar overhaul begins

It has been a long time coming but a change is gonna come ...

We are excited to announce that the overhaul of our Bell 47, aka Oscar has begun. Next year it will be Oscar's 60th birthday so he needs to be looking good for the celebrations.

We will be updating posts on Oscar's transformation. Are there any students who have pics of flying or training in Oscar? Can you email?

Thanks to Graeme Tadgell and team.

new cpl graduate ryan pearson

Congratulations Ryan on passing your CPL flight test back on 4 June 2010. That's just short of a month after turning 23 years!

Ryan, from Queensland began his quest back in October 2009. Like many students before him he battled theory to pass with impressive marks, then he worked really hard at flight training. The flying was a mammoth task, but it was a lot more fun. We're proud of you Ryan. Good luck. We look forward to hearing about your next adventure ahead!

new website

It has been a long time coming but great news. We've launched our new website! Check it out!

Many thanks to Marcus Johnson and Bev Austen.

agusta 109e aid in clean up

A Chinese coal carrier in the Great Barrier Reef was off course and in a restricted zone, 15 nautical miles outside the shipping lane, when it ran aground. The 230 bulk coal carrier Sheng Neng 1 ran aground on the reef about 70km east of Great Keppel Island on 3 April 2010.

The vessel, which was carrying about 65,000 tonnes of coal from Gladstone, had 950 tonnes of oil on board. The vessel had hit the reef at full speed.

Premier of Queensland Anna Bligh said, specialised crews could take "several weeks" to salvage the ship once it was able to be moved.

Since the incident, Fergus Ponder (Head of Civilian School) has been flying with the team from Maritime Safety Queensland in the Agusta 109E. Fergus is still flying there.

ty canfield living his dream

After making his first contact with Becker Helicopters back in August 2008 it took 27 year old Ty Canfield just a few months to prepare himself for the biggest challenge of his life.

Ty, from Capalaba, began his CPLH training at Beckers on 12 January 2009. The biggest challenge for him was the arduous theory exams but with guidance from his theory instructor, James Orrom and his determination to study a minimum of 3 hours a night he successfully passed his 7 subjects.

Flying was much more fun, still a lot of hard work but it was better than theory. Looking back Ty says his biggest achievement was his first solo flight followed closely by the words from his CPLH testing officer and Chief Pilot, Mike Becker “Congratulations Ty, you’ve passed mate!”

Since gaining his licence in June 2009 Ty did what most other newbies to the commercial world of helicopters did and contacted all the operators. Whilst visiting ABC Heli, Coolangatta Airport, Ty offered his services for free, working unpaid 2 days a week. Yes, it included sweeping the hanger floors! In mid July 2009 Ty was offered a paid position for 2 days a week. He was happy to do this. His commitment to the company proved fruitful and a full time pilot position was offered to him 2 months later.

Ty is now the Base Manager at ABC Heli, working 5 days a week out of Tangalooma. Another pilot works with him 2 days a week. Since January 2009 Ty has logged a total of 300 hours.

What does he like about ABC Heli? The great people and the view from the office (Tangalooma from 1000 feet) is spectacular. He is living his dream.

student profile: pedro monteiro

Country
Portugal

Why fly helicopters?
It was something I always wanted to do.

Why train at Beckers?
Because out of all the schools Beckers rated the best

What licence did you do?
Commercial Pilots Licence


Thoughts on theory?
Can't say on the blog ... but it was tough!

Biggest challenge?
Doing theory.

Most memorable flight?
Solo navigating to Fraser Island.

What are you going to do after Beckers?
Join the world.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Having lots of hours and working, where I want.

Final advice to persons looking at training?
It's been a long and hard journey but if it's something you want to do then go for it. Follow your desires and dreams will come true.


Pedro is currently working as a commercial pilot offshore, flying Hughes 500. Good luck Pedro!

happy australia day 26 january 2010

christmas bbq for 2009 & farewell stu!

The team and students at Beckers relax and unwind at the Becker's Christmas BBQ for 2009. Great fun, good food and brilliant day!

























We bid farewell and good luck to Stu who is embarking on basic training in the Army in January. Thanks for your brilliant work at Beckers! You will be sorely missed! :(