Dr Cameron Rogers has recently received Recreational Aviation Australia ab initio accreditation. Ab initio means from the beginning and the training is focused on taking those with no experience right through to becoming a competent, commercial airline pilots.

The aviation programme at Launceston Church Grammar School is the only one of its kind in the state and the purpose-built Aviation Centre was officially opened in February 2021 as part of the School’s 175th celebrations. Launceston Grammar has a proud aviation history, with former alumni of the school including Qantas founder Sir Wilmot Hudson Fysh and the inventor of the black box David Warren. Sir Ivan Nello Holyman founded Holyman’s Airways, and the fledgling airline was granted a Commonwealth government contract, commencing a mail service to the mainland of Australia in October 1934. Former student and ancestor of Sir Ivan, Sam Holyman will be completing his first flight into Launceston this Sunday with Jetstar Australia.

Aviation Theory is offered in Grades 9 & 10 and is a detailed, technical course which includes a wide range of scientific and mathematical concepts. Students will be expected to use trigonometry to resolve forces and calculate the “g” loading of a wing and will learn the difference between the rate and the angle of a descent. In Grade 9, students will cover the introductory content required for the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) exam, as administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Pilot theory exams provide a great context in which to explore and expand concepts from science, technology engineering and mathematics. Students will also participate in the construction of the school’s RV12, a light sports kit aircraft. Through this process, they will learn about aeronautical engineering and aircraft maintenance.