Emma Pritchard

As a flying instructor, there is a lot Peter Clement gets to see.

Above the Clarence Valley, he is able to observe the beauty of the region, and the hustle and bustle of the communities beneath him.

But nothing compares to seeing his students build their confidence, learn new skills, and fly unaccompanied for the first time.

“It’s incomparable,” he said.

“When you first meet people who say they want to learn how to fly, you get to know them during each lesson, and you watch their confidence grow and see the expressions on their faces when they achieve what they set out to achieve.

“It is such a wonderful feeling, and that’s what makes my role so rewarding.”

Describing himself as someone who has always enjoyed the concept of helping others, Mr Clement established his business Clement’s Flying School in South Grafton several years ago and has taught many Clarence Valley residents and aspiring pilots how to fly.

“Once aviation is in your blood, you have to follow it,” he said.

“But there is also a lot of study involved.

“As a pilot, you have to understand the mechanics of your aircraft, the weather, and the environment, and how they impact flying conditions. 

“You also have to have a lot of resilience, both emotionally and psychologically.

“But with aviation, you never stop learning, and that is also a wonderful thing to teach people.” 

After completing high school, Mr Clement pursued his passion for aviation and learned to fly under the instruction of Tommy Strickland of Strickland Skyways in Coffs Harbour.

“I can remember spending $35 of my $60 wage on flying lessons, which was a fair bit of money in the 1980s,” he recalls.

“But I loved every minute of it.

“As a flying instructor, I’m able to do what I love and share my knowledge and passion for aviation with my students, and encourage them and help them to follow their dreams in aviation.

“It is a great career to pursue.”

Lessons at Clement’s Flying School start from $250 per hour, and the current fleet includes a Jabiru J-160 and a Jabiru J-170.

“They are lovely aircraft to fly in,” Mr Clement said.

“They’re a lightweight aircraft, very easy to control, and they handle beautifully in the air.”

“If anyone is interested in learning to fly, I’m more than happy to teach them.”

For further information, or to book a lesson, please phone 0412 505 252.