A Pilot Academy Graduate to First Officer

I was part of the first group to go through the Qantas Group Pilot Academy, finishing in 2019. I took a bit of a meandering route to becoming a pilot, including studying a degree in environmental management. But I just couldn't see myself doing that for 40 years. I'd always been around aviation - I worked in ground handling when I was at uni - so I was familiar with the industry.

I now work as a First Officer for QantasLink, which means I meet a lot of captains. Some of them have been flying for as long as I've been alive, and some have had a similar career path to me - everyone has something I can learn from. 

The Pilot Academy was a big year and hard work, but a lot of fun too. You're there with a whole group of people who are doing the same thing - working towards becoming pilots - and you become friends. There are plenty of others who have bene through the Academy who are also working at Qantas now.

I came in on the Dash 8 Q200 and Q300 fleet as a First Officer and worked on those for around 18 months. I have recently come over to the Q400 - it's got a lot of power and is really fun to fly. The places we fly to are always interesting.

If anyone is thinking about applying for the Pilot Academy, I'd just say go for it. If I can do it, anyone can, as long as you're willing to put in the time and work hard. If you're interested in flying, reach out to people in the industry and talk to them about it. Just get out there and give it a go.

Ben Swart
QantasLink Dash 8 Q400 First Officer and Qantas Group Pilot Academy Graduate