28 September 2011

Matt Wilson

Don't be scared of what you cannot see ... your only fear is possibility ...

Video by Matt Eke.

16 September 2011

engineers are moving!

Our Engineers are relocating to a new site! You can visit their operations at No 20 Hanger E. They'll be happy to see you!


06 September 2011

farewell matt

For a second you were flying
Like you always wanted to
Now you'll fly forever
in skies of azure blue
We'll see your smile in every ray
Of sunshine after rain
And hear the echo of your laughter
Over all the pain
The world's a little quieter now
The colours have lost their hue
The birds are singing softly
And our hearts are missing you
Each time we see a little cloud
Or a rainbow soaring high
We'll think of you and gently
Wipe a tear from our eye

V. Bruce

01 September 2011

first solo

Congratulations on Merlijn Van Waeyenberghe and Andrew Rothery on flying solo today! Great job by Flight Instructor James Orrom in sole training Merlijn and Andrew. Well done everyone.



29 August 2011

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


24 August 2011

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!

19 August 2011

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.


12 August 2011

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.


10 August 2011

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.





29 July 2011

becker helicopter jackets for sale

_

Costs:

AUD $199 plus postage

(Discounts available for Students)

Features:

  • Flash retardant material
  • 2 pen holders (1 each arm)
  • High rate of breathability, water repellency, wind resistance
  • High snag/pick resistance
  • No balling like traditional Polarfleece
  • Waterproof zips
  • Reinforced elbow/forearm areas
  • Velcro attachment points
  • 6 pockets all with waterproof zips
  • Fleece lined
  • Becker Helicopters Monogrammed on back
Sizes:

Small - Chest 90 cm - 95 cm; Arm length (measured from halfway across the neck to cuff) up to 85cm; Back length 70 cm

Medium - Chest 95 cm - 100 cm; Arm length (same measurement as above) up to 87 cm; Back length 72 cm

Large - Chest 105 cm - 110 cm; Arm length (same measurement as above) up to 88 cm; Back length 74 cm

XLarge - Chest 110 cm - 115 cm; Arm length (same measurement as above) up to 90 cm; Back length 77 cm

Contact:

www.shop@beckerhelicopters.com or email enquiry@beckerhelicopters.com




28 July 2011

brad noble passes his cplh

Congratulations and well done to Brad Noble who passed his CPLH flight test today.

Brad's journey from Brisbane to Beckers began in January 2011. First week, no fly! Bad weather! Not one to sit around Brad volunteered as crew during the Queensland flood relief. It would be awhile before Brad could fly.

After a couple of months of successfully passing his theory exams Brad was back on the flight roster. Not long after he would help as crew on a Sling job at Pelican Waters with Fergus Ponder .

Knocking out more hours Brad offered more of his personal time, less than a week before his flight test to help Chalky and students at the King of Mountain Race, last weekend.

Today was a success and we wish lots and lots of it when he leaves. Great work Brad!




27 July 2011

new r22 coming to beckers

VH-UTX is a week away from becoming the newest member to the R22 fleet. We look forward to it's arrival!





25 July 2011

beckers fly over the mountain

Sunday was a brilliant day to enjoy the carnivale festivities at Pomona and soak up one of the most popular event on the Sunshine Coast calendar, the King of Mountain Race. If you left your joggers at home that was okay, you could still enjoy the thrill of Mount Cooroora from the skies. Close to 90 joyriders basked in the gorgeous scenery with David White (aka Chalky) in the pilot seat. Many thanks to Kylie Shaw, Matt Finegan, Brad Noble, Cameron Barnes, Jimmy Orrom and Geoff Shaw for their help. Well done guys!






























Winner Neil Labinsky crosses the line in a very impressive time. He is currently 6 times champion.



 

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