Ben Hurlestone, 19, was the other student accepted into the course. Both he and Mr Fitzgerald have been guaranteed work at the Warrnambool Airport piloting scenic flights.

The course was the brainchild of chief flying instructor Tony Franc. He said a considerable amount of theory needed to be done before the learner pilots earned their wings.

They have to do a variety of subjects, including meteorology and aeronautics.

"The have to spend about 180 hours in the air and also learn to fly at night," he said.

"Probably the best thing about the course is there is a job waiting for them at the end.

"The hardest thing about being a pilot is getting the experience needed for a job in the industry and this course aims to do that."