We are delighted to introduce the aviation co-curricular program, which occurs in the Senior School iHub.
Through the Knox Aviation Club, started by ICT Learning Integrator (7-12) Mr Michael Beilharz, students have the opportunity to learn and practise aviation skills.
This is with thanks to the generosity of Wayne Daly, an A330 Flight Officer at Qantas, and trainers Ricky and Oscar from UNSW.
Our Knox boys, alongside girls from Abbotsleigh, receive hands-on flight lessons on Tuesdays. At one of these lessons, we spoke with Wayne and Year 10 student Harrison.
This program at Knox was initiated by Michael Beilharz who is the coordinating teacher. He had an idea to get the students involved in learning to fly using the Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The program has evolved over the last couple of years and now includes students from Abbotsleigh as well as Knox. It is designed to give the students a basic introduction to what flying is all about.
Pilot training is not an easy thing. The foundation skills that can be learned outside the airplane are going to be useful to help the students transfer into the airplane.
What stands out across all the students is the enthusiasm, and the looks on their faces when they get the landing right. Because the hardest thing to do is to land the airplane. But when they manage to master that skill, and land the flight simulator, they're beaming.
I didn't start my working life as a pilot, I started as a chef, and then when that didn't quite work out to be what I wanted, I went into law, and I had this epiphany that I just wanted to learn to fly for fun.
And when I started to do that, I realised that it was more fun than fun, and it’s what has worked out over the last 39 years to be the best career that I could have ever chosen.
I was talking to my friend who had just started the flying program, and I asked Mr Beilharz later that day if I could join. And since then, I've been doing it for two years and I've really enjoyed it.
Definitely the practising, the experience, like working with Mr Daly and instructors from UNSW, it's been just a great opportunity to experience firsthand from professionals on what it's like, and the tips I can get for flying in the future.
Give it a go. You might surprise yourself. It is really enjoyable.
06 June 2026
"Our biggest encouragement is to really get involved,” said Charley (Year 12), Head Prefect of Wellbeing. "Talk to new people, contribute to discussions, and make the most out of every opportunity that comes your way.”
01 June 2026
Reconciliation Week 2026 offered a meaningful opportunity for the Knox community to engage thoughtfully with culture, history and Country, and to reflect on our shared responsibility in advancing reconciliation.
31 May 2026
Clear skies and sunshine set the scene for Gala Day 2026, which was a wonderful celebration of community spirit.
