As many SFT students and friends already know, Peter Edwards is the steady hand behind Sydney Flight Training operations. With decades of aviation experience and a genuine passion for flight education, Pete brings both his expertise and personality to the team.
From his personal journey into aviation, to student mishaps and movie critiques, this Q&A offers a glimpse into the person helping to make Sydney Flight Training such a special place to learn.
First things first - tea or coffee before the first flight of the day?
Coffee during the day, tea at night. As we get older ferry range decreases and preflight includes a mandatory stop.
What sparked your passion for flying at the very beginning and how old were you when you first learnt to fly?
Loved aeroplanes as a toddler. I am told first flight was at age 2 in a Chipmunk, I’m sure it’s time for a recency flight. I learnt to fly while at University, PPL at 22yo in a C150 (yes pre C152) with a couple of flights in the DH82 Tiger Moth. Same price as the C150. I wanted to be a single seat fighter pilot.
What’s the funniest student pilot moment you've witnessed that's now safe to laugh about?
Actually, a PPL called at Prospect and was cleared join final 11L. He promptly joined downwind for 29R and when a departing aircraft complained about a head on situation the tower instructed a left 180 degree turn and descent to 1000 for left downwind 11L. Cleared to land 11L he landed 11C crossed 11L without a clearance taxied up to the hangar and said “Pete, I think I’m in trouble”.
What is one place flying has taken you that left a lasting impression?
My first long trip was with Uni friends in a Cherokee 6 PA32 up the coast of Queensland landing on a number of the islands. I think I made every mistake possible without damaging me, my passengers and the aircraft. Many lessons for my current students. Probably my favourite to fly into now is Lord Howe Island, a sparkling gem in the Pacific with a great strip and a suitable pace of life for an old pilot.
We've all seen Top Gun. What aviation movie makes you cringe the most from a pilot's perspective?
Way too many to list. It’s difficult to do aviation well especially when the “hero” flies everything from an ultralight to a 747 that starts instantly. James Bond is the worst offender. Most aviation movies are poor, that said I do like Battle of Britain despite the corny story and dialogue, it’s a pretty good summary of the times. In the same genre Dark Blue World about Czech pilots leading up to the Battle of Britian. YouTube flights of F18s in canyons below the viewing area makes for some great footage, not to mention Blue Angels training in their F18s.
What has been your proudest moment in your aviation career so far?
Probably my favourite memory was the Centenary of Federation Outback Airshows 2001 with 90 aircraft ranging from the Super Constellation to two-seat kit planes. I owned a B58 Baron VH-EZG at the time and we flew around outback Queensland with my family in what was a once in a lifetime trip. An airshow nearly every day at a remote Queensland town.
I’d have to add getting my instructor rating with Ken Andrews as my “examiner of airmen” as another highlight. Ken is still alive at 105 years young, despite being shot down twice in New Guinea in WW2.
What is the most satisfying part of seeing a student progress through their training?
Seeing them achieve their personal goals. Whether it be a RPL or commencing a career in an airline. It is the shared satisfaction of achieving a goal that is usually held passionately, and it is a milestone in their life.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone just starting out in aviation?
Prior planning is never more necessary than in aviation. While perfection might seem like an impossible standard, I believe it's still worth aiming for. When we set perfection as our goal, even if we don't quite reach it, we'll achieve the very high standards that safe flying demands. This mindset - meticulous preparation and striving for excellence - forms the foundation of becoming a good pilot.
Thanks for sharing Pete!
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