A grassroots initiative at Temora Airport is giving young Australians a hands-on introduction to aircraft building, with a focus on skills, safety and inspiration.
A grassroots initiative at Temora Airport is giving young Australians a hands-on introduction to aircraft building, with a focus on skills, safety and inspiration.
The Temora Flyers Inc (TFI) Youth Aircraft Builder Training program offers free monthly workshops for high school-aged participants, providing three hours of practical tuition in aircraft metalworking and fabrication.
Led by respected aircraft builder Sam Richards, the program is designed to keep younger generations connected to aviation technology and hands-on engineering.
“Despite no longer being a builder or a pilot, I’ve tried to remain connected to our pastime by mentoring youngsters with an interest in aviation technology,” Richards said.
Each workshop accommodates two students aged between 13 and 18, with all tools, materials and safety equipment provided. Participants also receive instruction in workshop safety and aviation tooling, along with morning tea.
By the end of each session, students complete an airworthy component and receive a certificate of achievement.
Since launching, the program has already trained ten local participants with varying levels of experience.
“All achieved success and, more importantly, a sense of accomplishment,” Richards said. “As a mentor, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Workshops are held monthly at TFI headquarters at Temora Airport, with organisers hoping the initiative will help build a pipeline of future aviation technicians and engineers.
Richards said they would like to attract participants from further afield and encourage interested families to make a day of aviation at Temora Airport, with a morning workshop, lunch at the Temora Aviation Museum café and an afternoon exploring the museum’s collection.
“I look forward to continuing to promote this opportunity to empower youngsters while helping support the future technical needs of Australian aviation,” Richards said.
Participants even walk away with a TFI cap, and a first taste of what a career in aviation engineering could look like.
For further information, contact temoraflyers@gmail.com.