Aviation students represent RMIT at Avalon Airshow

With the Australian International Airshow show back for the first time in four years, students from RMIT Flight Training were on hand to discuss their passions for the industry.

The Australian International Airshow at Avalon was back with a bang, with five days of flight displays, industry and trade sessions and non-stop entertainment both on the ground and in the air.

Instructors and students from RMIT Flight Training, which is part of the recently launched Aviation Academy, were on hand to showcase some of the new aircraft and talk about RMIT’s sector-leading flight training program.

Five Associate Degree in Aviation students, based at RMIT’s Point Cook campus, spoke about their passions for the aviation industry and what it means to represent RMIT at the Airshow.

Natalie Tassakos is into the second year of her degree and said that her desire to become a pilot can be traced back to when she was five years of age.

“I’ve had a passion for aviation ever since I was five,” she said.

“My dad used to take me out to Melbourne Airport lookout which I found really fascinating and pretty much my whole life I was driven to become a pilot.”

“I hope to work for Qantas or Emirates one day!”

Student Natalie Tassakos standing in front of plane

Natalie Tassakos stands in front of one of RMIT's many aircraft.

Mark Wee and Joshua Meehan also both spoke about their enjoyment of flying and were thrilled to represent RMIT at the Avalon Airshow.

“I love being surrounded my planes and being immersed in aviation as a whole,” said Mark.

“I enjoy the dynamics of it, seeing different militaries in one place and getting to talk to people about aircraft and having that backstage access that normally you won’t be able to have.”

Joshua said it was the freedom that attracted him to flying.

“I got into aviation for that sense of freedom, and the ability to be able to travel around on your own with very minimal restrictions.”

Mark Wee and Joshua Meehan at RMIT's stand during the Airshow

Mark Wee (L) and Joshua Meehan (R) were at the RMIT stand during the Airshow Industry days.

Harrison Smith and Alan Tran were both eager to showcase the Aviation Academy’s new aircraft and share their own experiences to any potential students looking to take up flying.

“What I love about aviation is being able to share my experience to other students and talk about my highlights,” said Harrison.

Alan added that mingling with the RMIT Community was a highlight of being at the Airshow.

The thrill of the airshow has been great, but being apart of the RMIT community, just talking to everybody and helping people who are keen to take up flight training has been really enjoyable.

Alan Tran and Harrison Smith smiling for photo at Avalon Airshow

Alan Tran (L) and Harrison Smith (R) share a photo alongside an RMIT Flight Instructor.

Learn more about the Aviation Academy

Story: Mark Moffat

06 March 2023

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Aviation students represent RMIT at Avalon Airshow