About

First Officer is all about learning-to-fly.

The story places you into the cabin of John’s Cessna aircraft. Jamie is John’s son, aged twelve. He is keen to learn to fly and John takes enormous pleasure teaching him all he knows.

What better way to be taught to fly than in the seat beside the pilot. As John teaches, Jamie also comes to appreciate how the people and the places they visit make up our beautiful State of Victoria, Australia.

The Aircraft

John learns on a Cessna C-152, a two-seat training aircraft. Hundreds of thousands of student pilots have learnt to fly on this model. The C-152 was also manufactured as a commuter, with larger fuel tanks to increase range, plus a few additional features that made it appealing as a touring airplane for the private pilot. Additionally, Cessna brought it to the market as the Aerobat, a version with stronger wing struts plus other features that made it suitable as a lead-in aerobatic trainer.

The normal progression of most pilots was from the two-seat C-152 to the larger four seat model, the ever popular Cessna C-172. It has to be one of the most recognisable aircraft in the world, famed for its durability, reliability and utility. Over the years, it has undergone numerous evolutionary changes, most of them to the on-board systems rather than the structure. Different engines have been tried, most of them leading to a better overall airplane.

The Characters

John

John Walker is a 37 year old family man. He has a wife, Terri and two children, Jamie, a 12 year old boy and Debra, his daughter, aged 9. They live in the bayside suburb of Mornington, a desirable place with its many amenities.

John is an electrician. His work involves wiring new homes and factories as well as repairs and updates. Mornington is a progressive suburb with much housing and business development, factors that ensure John is never looking for work.

Not far from Mornington is the suburb of Tyabb. The district used to be orchard country, but today it is a desirable residential area, with a small town centre and easy access to the beach and the larger nearby towns. It’s also the home to the Peninsula Aero Club.

John’s work often takes him to Tyabb and over time, he becomes interested in the airport. His interest grows. Finally, John joins the Club and commences flying lessons.

Jamie

When John joins the Club, Jamie is only 12 years old. Young though he is, Jamie takes a keen interest in John’s progress. He’s quick and he’s smart, always interested in how things work.

It’s not long before Jamie becomes involved in John’s passion for flying.

In First Officer, John and Jamie fly their aircraft to a variety of destinations within the State of Victoria. John teaches Jamie a small amount each time they fly. During a period of around eighteen months, Jamie’s ability as an underage and unofficial pilot becomes impressive.