What is your name and where are you originally from?
My name is Nik Taverner. I was born in New South Wales but moved to the Gold Coast at a young age which is where I was raised.
Why did you become a pilot?
I always found myself interested in planes. If there was ever a toy plane you’d find me off to the side playing with it. It wasn’t until I was in early high school that I realized I actually want to fly planes myself so I organized a trial flight with the local flight school and from that point on I’ve been hooked.
What is the thing you enjoy most about being a pilot?
The lifestyle is quite good but being in control of an aircraft, flying thousands of feet above the Earth, is a feeling you can’t get anywhere else.
What are the best aspects/ most spectacular parts of doing Kimberley tours?
I’d have to say the picturesque scenery that never fails to amaze me, especially in the sunrise and sunset.
What is the most common question you get from passengers?
I always get asked how old I am as the passengers seem to love to joke about how they think I’m too young be flying them around.
What are your future plans/goals for being a pilot?
I’d like to gain as much experience as I can through Aviair and then eventually one day make my way over to the Royal Flying Doctors.
Have you been on a helicopter tour or a Kimberley outback tour? What did you enjoy about it?
Yes I’ve been on a couple of the Helicopter tours down at the Bungles. They give such a different perspective of the ranges as they do get a lot closer and fly a slightly different pattern.
What do you do during the off season/ Wet Season?
This is my first season so I’m not too sure exactly. Since the scenic flights stop over the wet season I’ll head back home and try and find some casual flying work on the East Coast.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
It can get pretty busy during the peak of the season so usually just catch up on sleep and rest if I’m not hanging out with the rest of the crew.
To find out more about Aviair, visit: www.aviair.com.au or to know more about kimberley tours from kununurra
