Training Options and Gaining Success

I earnt pocket money on the farm, doing jobs like fencing, land clearing, rounding up and feeding animals. I saved almost all of my earnings from a very young age with the plan of spending it on flying training. It was a long-range plan for a 10-year-old, but something I was determined to do. When I turned 14, I started my gliding lessons, and by continuing to earn money three weekends out of four when not at the airfield, I was able to get through to solo at 15. I then continued to build my experience on ultralights (now RAAus), hang gliders, and finally a Restricted Pilot Licence using funds from a job straight after leaving school.

I had become a pilot, through work and effort. Nothing is for free, and I had to dedicate my weekends growing up to earning money so I could spend it on flying, while most of my mates were out playing sports. I had to study at the same time I was studying my schoolwork, because it was my dream to fly.

I often tell this story to young people who tell me they want to be a pilot but can’t afford it. Flying can be expensive, though gliding is a great way to start (I have stated often that I think all pilots should start on gliders). There are programs out there with the Australian Air Force Cadets where glider flying is subsidised, though you have to commit your young free time to the cadets to get this benefit… nothing is for free.

‘I had to dedicate my weekends growing up to earning money so I could spend it on flying’ – Matt Hall

At this stage, I was still not a career pilot though. I had planned on becoming a commercial pilot, most likely working through being a station pilot to get hours, then to the airlines. I had some friends from gliding who had taken this path, and it sounded exciting, while being a tough gig at the same time. I was up for it. The problem was it all of a sudden started getting expensive. To achieve the flying experience through to obtaining my RPL, I did not have to have a great deal of money as I did it efficiently building hours in the less expensive aircraft. I now had to pay for more expensive aircraft for my commercial training, and the jobs I was working to pay for my flying were never going to cut it.

I had only briefly considered the RAAF as a career, basically being a bit scared of the commitment and the whole ‘military’ atmosphere. It became clear to me though, if I was going to really chase my own dream of being a career pilot, I was going to have to get someone else to pay for it. So, even though I was concerned about my ability to fit into the military scene, through a fear of the unknown, I started preparing myself for the entry tests and exams. Physically, mentally, and socially. But, nothing is for free…

After a great deal of effort and stress, I was successful in obtaining my RAAF wings and sent through to fly fighters. As it turned out, the military was not scary at all, and I met my best friends in the process of having a great job. I would seriously recommend this career path to anyone who has doubts about their ability (financially, physically or mentally) to be a career pilot.

About 15 years into my RAAF career, while at a bit of a crossroads (career RAAF, or change directions for a second career), the Red Bull Air Race crossed my radar. While I now considered myself reasonably well-established career-wise and financially (I owned my own aerobatic aircraft I could fly on weekends), all of a sudden I saw an opportunity that would take sacrifice again. I was offered the opportunity to train with some potential race pilots in Europe, though at my own expense. I now had a wife and baby, was a Wing Commander, and time was limited. I also realised that being financially well off to own your own aircraft was a long way off self-funding eight months of training in Europe.

I nearly didn’t take the opportunity. The risks were high, for my established career, financially and for my family. But, you have to sacrifice comfort to chase your dreams if they are worth it. I took leave from the RAAF, stalling my career. I took the leave on half pay initially, transitioning to leave without pay when that ran out. We mortgaged our house. I spent three-quarters of my time away from my young family. But, nothing is for free…

The result was worth it. I was able to obtain my position within the Red Bull Air Race, with the objective of becoming the World Champion sometime in the future… it only took 11 years!

Once again, there were many more sacrifices that were necessary to achieve the dream of World Champion. I lived a lot of my time out of a suitcase, away from my family. We had to re-mortgage the house a few times when things went wrong and planes had to be purchased or repaired. I had people die around me, which was something that hurt every time. Sometimes I felt like throwing in the towel… but you have to keep the dream alive even in the hard times. That is how successful people get what they want. Believe in the dream.

If you have been reading my recent articles, you will know that the race is paused at the moment, with an uncertain future. What my future involvement is in racing is yet to be seen. But this article isn’t about my future, it is about yours.

Yes, there are hurdles in becoming a pilot, becoming a career pilot even more so. But believing in the dream is the first step. When you look at someone who is living ‘your’ dream, be sure that they have worked through hard times and sacrifices to be there. People rarely advertise the hard side of their success… it is not as cool on social media posting photos of eating two-minute noodles, riding a bicycle to the airport, studying for the re-sit of a failed exam. But everyone has those stories.

There are avenues for almost anyone to become a pilot. Cadetships, cheaper flying activities, Defence, cadets, scholarships, but they all require some form of sacrifice from the applicant… time, relationships, social life, stable career and income, stress… the sacrifice list is endless.

Remember, nothing is for free… but in aviation, the sacrifice is very rewarding.

Chase your dreams.

Smoke on…