MERRIFIELD College pupil Luke Hanner, 17, recently received his student pilot licence from Border Aviation Club.
“As a little boy, I always thought that if I had to choose a super power, it would be me being able to fly,” said Hanner.
The grade 11 pupil said his journey to becoming a pilot was inspired by his father, who is also a pilot, and Hanner has flown with him since he was a young boy.
“My biggest inspiration would be my flying instructor Mitch Hill, who shared a quote with me from Leonardo da Vinci that really resonates with me: ‘For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return’.”
Hanner said he would use the skills he had gained in his everyday life. “I learned to be enthusiastic and passionate about flying, but the challenge I faced was being able to balance my school work with my passion. It was quite tricky, but I managed to pull through,” he said.
“I would like to see myself completing my private pilot licence this year, and hope to be certified on a number of different aircraft. I don’t have any aspiration of being a commercial pilot at this stage, but who knows what could happen in the near future?” said Hanner.
