6 August 2026 | West Coast Flying Club

Sometimes, a new possibility begins with simply seeing what’s out there.

Our 2911 VYELA participants visited the West Coast Flying Club for an educational excursion designed to expose them to careers in aviation and introduce them to pathways they may not previously have considered.

Members of the Flying Club shared what it takes to build a career as a pilot, from progressing through a Private Pilot Licence towards a Commercial Pilot Licence to understanding the flying hours, examinations, financial investment and commitment involved. Participants were also taken on a guided tour of the private airfield, where they explored different aircraft, learned about their uses and had the opportunity to ask questions directly to people within the aviation environment.

The visit offered an honest look at both the opportunities and challenges of pursuing a career in aviation, while reinforcing the importance of determination, discipline, hard work and perseverance.

One of the most encouraging outcomes was that by the end of the visit, one participant had already expressed an interest in exploring a career as an air traffic controller and another as ground crew! This is why career exposure forms such an important part of youth development. When young people are given opportunities to experience different industries and engage with people working within them, the range of futures they can imagine for themselves begins to grow.

Sometimes, you have to see a different path before you can imagine yourself walking it.

We extend our sincere thanks to the West Coast Flying Club for welcoming our participants, sharing their knowledge so generously and helping us create an experience that broadened horizons and opened up new possibilities.