Shannon wants to fly

Cobar school student Shannon Eves on work experience at HMAS Albatross is shown the main rotor assembly on a 817 Sea King by LSATA "Nutsy" Fairweather. Photo by ABPH Kelvin Hockey

By Graham Davis

Last October, Cobar schoolgirl, Shannon Eves stood and watched as Cobar High School “old boy”, Flight Lieutenant and now RAAF test pilot, David Lohse lifted his PC9 trainer off the Cobar Airport runway and headed home to Edinburgh.

“And you think he gets paid to do that—flying is what I want to do,” Shannon, 17, remarked to the classmates standing beside her.

A few weeks ago the Navy provided the first step in attaining her dream. She spent a week doing work experience at HMAS Albatross. In addition she has applied for a Defence scholarship to help her in Year 11 and has her sights set on being an officer through the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Already a corporal with No 211 Army Cadet Unit based in Cobar, Shannon was one of a number of years 10, 11 and 12 students addressed by FTLT Lohse when he flew to the town last October to talk to them about a career in the ADF.

“David’s visit was followed up by a visit by Defence Recruiting people late last year and earlier this year,” Mr Bill Venner, Cobar High’s career adviser said.

“They have been very helpful particularly one from the Navy. They have opened doors and one was to allow Shannon to do work experience at HMAS Albatross,” he said.

Shannon’s first day, (June 23) at Albatross saw her receive an orientation tour from the Buffer, CPO Rod Perkins. The following day it was on to 817 Squadron and its Sea Kings. Later in the week she visited 816 and 723 Squadrons, the medical centre, the gymnasium, the Navy Imagery Unit and the First Lieutenant’s section.

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